Math, Civics & Sciences Charter player kicked out of Public League

MATH, CIVICS & Sciences Charter lost more than a basketball game Saturday in the Public League quarterfinals.

Due to misbehavior, one of its top players has been removed from the squad.

Robert Coleman, the Pub sports czar, said he and MC&S' administration reached an agreement on guard Malik Starkes - he'll no longer play for the Mighty Elephants, nor for any school in the PL.

The problem began with one-tenth of a second remaining in MC&S' 62-61 loss to Roberts Vaux. Noticing that Starkes was complaining to an official about a call that sent star guard Rysheed Jordan to the foul line, MC&S coaches removed him after the first free throw.

"Then he acted out on the bench," Coleman said. "Then he went after the official after the game and had to be restrained. Clearly, that kind of behavior is unacceptable. It won't be tolerated. He's done for this season and will never play for MC&S again."

Starkes, a junior, is a senior in terms of eligibility. He'd been hoping to win an appeal to play for one more season.

"You won't see him in the Public League," Coleman said. "I guess he could try for the extra year if he somehow transfers to a Catholic League school. But we all share information in District 12. Chances are he'll be denied."

MC&S, a Class A school, is biding time until the state playoffs begin March 8.