Charlies Batch working to have BG and Clairton do a handshak

[animus]

http://triblive.com/sports/hssports/foo ... z3Ly3Wvqyw

“What we saw on the television is not an indication of who that Clairton team is,” Batch said. “A game should never end the way this game did, but there had to be something that led to that. We don't know what that is, so I'm not going to be quick to judge.”

With 22 seconds left in a 19-18 loss, the incident escalated when two emotional Bears threw their helmets at opponents from Altoona's Bishop Guilfoyle. Batch saw the video Saturday and called O'Malley.

“His intervention is invaluable,” O'Malley said. “He has instant credibility.”

A Steel Valley graduate, Batch may meet with players to discuss football and sportsmanship, O'Malley said. Batch served a similar role in 2012 to ease tension between Brentwood and Monessen with a school assembly in each of the communities.

“I don't know how it's going to work out,” Batch said, “but I would love to see Clairton have the opportunity to at least shake (Bishop Guilfoyle's) hands and congratulate them.”

[Crimson's Ghost]

Batch is a good guy. Hopefully there can be some resolution.

[Husker33]

I don't see what BG did that requires his attention. BG seemed to act with complete class during the whole incident. Clairton seemed like the team that needs to learn how to lose with class.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Well in the article, it focuses on the actiona of Clairton. So I don't get what your complaint is. He wants the Clairton team to go and congratulate BG, he doesn't ask anything of BG.

[boxer156]

What exactly does he hope to accomplish here? I give him credit for trying--but seriously, the kids threw there HELMETS at another team?!?! Do you think this is just one 'isolated' incident? Some of the things that were heard on the field, by the coaches, and on game tape lead one to believe this is a behavioral issue--and not a 'disgruntled' team that just lost. I grew up near Clariton, and can tell you first hand this is not unusual behavior for their teams.

Not to get political, but I really wonder if the roles were reversed, the amount of press this would have received. I'm really getting tired of some of these situations getting a pass because someone is afraid to step on toes, or be called the 'R' word. Too bad--this team needs banned from post season for awhile until their coach and players learn how to react to a loss.

[d6footballfan]

If you ban this team, it will escalate tensions, and it punishes players who did not participate in the melee. Put the Clairton kids on a bus, drive to a location where they can meet and shake hands with the BG team; that would be a positive step and the right thing to do. Just don't let any PR or news folks around to publicize, as it will draw the opinions of many knuckleheads alike.

[animus]

Knowing Charlie Batch via his actions in the past, what will happen is there will be some sort of banquet. He speaks to both teams, everyone grabs a bite to eat, then the teams shake hands, and then everyone goes home.

What BG gets out of this is potentially meeting some Pittsburgh Steelers players in the process.

boxer156,

Please tell me where Clairton players started a brawl against Monessen, when the streak was broke or against Sto-Rox when they defeated us in the WPIAL playoffs. In fact, more often than not against schools like Monessen, Farrell, Canevin and Brentwood our team kept their composure when players from those schools took cheap shots and such. So I don't know where you're getting your intel on the Bears, because it's 100% fallacy.

[boxer156]

Animus, I think if you talk to any team that played Clairton, they all pretty much say the same things (ie: Farrell and others). Maybe visit some of the players Facebook pages some time and see how they talk.

Sorry, but most of the team acted like idiots, including coaches---aside from a few. Let's not gloss over the fact that a helmet(s) were thrown, aside of some of the things said on the field. Why don't you explain to me how this behavior is justified? What do you propose for the players that acted out like this? Or are we going to make excuses for them, and just let it go?

Again, what if the roles were reversed? Would you accept 'just' an invitation from Charlie Batch to smooth things over-----or would Clairton be looking for more disciplinary actions, and some headlines?

[animus]

Where did I make any excuses for the 2 players that threw their helmets? They should never don a Clairton uniform, in any sport, again. They need to go to anger management classes.

What actions am I justifying? And if one is to go on twitter, most teams Clairton that play against wish Clairton the best of luck and vise versa.

[boxer156]

Just please respond with your opinion if the roles were reversed, what do you think would happen in the media, and around the general Clairton area?

I think this is really being under-reported, and not near the amount of disciplinary actions.