Massachusetts High School Lacrosse Team Forfeits Game Over Cigar Incident

The Ipswich High School boys lacrosse team in Massachusetts forfeited its state semifinal game after photos surfaced online showing six players allegedly smoking cigars following their graduation, which violates the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's tobacco policy. One student claimed the cigars were fake, made from tea leaves, to comply with the rules. However, school officials, including Superintendent Brian Blake and Principal Jonathan Mitchell, disputed this claim, stating that evidence suggested the cigars were real. The school began an investigation after the photos were posted online and found that one photo showed smoke and a lighter. Following the investigation, the players were suspended, leading to a team decision to forfeit the game due to insufficient players. An attorney representing one of the families accused the school officials of bias and retaliation, referencing a previous incident involving safety concerns during a lacrosse game. The school maintained that their decision was consistent with their policies.