Coach Hurt As Angry Fans Storm Onto Court

A West Chester University basketball coach remained hospitalized today with injuries he sustained when fans stormed the court in the final seconds of a game with Cheyney University.

Violence erupted at Cheyney’s Cope Hall at 10 p.m. Monday in the final seconds of the game, with Cheyney leading 67-66. A West Chester player intentionally fouled a Cheyney player, and the Cheyney fans went wild.

State police in Avondale said many Cheyney fans charged onto the floor and started punching and kicking West Chester players and coaches.

Five people were taken to the hospital, but four were released after treatment.

Bernie Driscoll, 34, West Chester assistant coach, remained in Riddle Memorial Hospital in stable condition with a concussion and possibly other injuries.

One player needed nine stitches above his eye. Another had a possible spinal injury. West Chester trainer Tom Gannon, 19, of Brook Haven sustained a possible cheekbone fracture.

The game was suspended and state police were called in to clear the gym. There were no arrests and the investigation was continuing.

Dick Delaney, West Chester head coach, has called for Cheyney to forfeit the game.

Cheyney and West Chester officials could not be reached for comment.

Tod Eberle, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, said Cheyney’s remaining league home game scheduled for Wednesday with Millersville probably would be moved to a neutral location.

A non-league game with Lincoln University is scheduled for Cheyney’s home court on Monday, but Eberle said that game would not be moved.

Eberle said NCAA rules address fighting among players but not among fans.

“I don’t think any players got ejected,” Eberle said. “I think all hell broke loose and a lot of fans got involved. That wouldn’t come under the NCAA rules.”