Jackie Robinson West’s district disbanded by Little League
The fallout from the Jackie Robinson West Little League scandal continued on Wednesday as
Little League International announced its intentions to disband Illinois District 4, which is the home district of Jackie Robinson West and five other teams.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the early plan would see Jackie Robinson West move to Illinois District 12, along with Near South and Bronzeville. South Side, Rosemoor and Roseland would join Illinois District 7.
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The announcement comes one month to the day after Little League International stripped Jackie Robinson West of its United States championship and all regional titles after an investigation found the team used players from outside its geographical boundaries.
“After a thorough review of operations within Illinois District 4 and in consultation with local volunteers, the Little League International Charter Committee has decided to dissolve Illinois District 4 and assign the leagues that were previously a part of the district to neighboring Little League Districts,” Little League spokesman Brian McClintock said in a statement.
“This decision allows the local Little League programs in the area to continue with their operations under veteran, established district leadership and to continue to provide quality Little League experiences for the children in their communities.”
District 4 had been without a leader since former administrator Mike Kelley was removed from office for his alleged part in the cheating scandal. Understandably, many of the leaders of the other District 4 leagues would have preferred to name a new administrator and moved forward with or without Jackie Robinson West, but that option was not available according to Central District Director Nina Johnson-Pitt.
As for where Jackie Robinson West will actually end up, the Tribune report notes that the league was already looking into the possibility of leaving District 4 before Wednesday’s announcement. DNAinfo.com in Chicago added that Bill Haley, the league’s former leader and the son of its founder, was considering an attempt to move Jackie Robinson West to the Cal Ripken or Babe Ruth organizations.
A statement issued by Henderson Adam law firm, which represents the league, confirmed the report.
“JRW parents and coaches feel strongly that Little League International inappropriately treated JRW children and parent volunteers, especially when Little League intentionally decided to announce the proposed change regarding the championship title to their corporate partner, ESPN, before speaking with JRW parents, coaches and children,” the statement reads.
“This insensitive act by Little League International is a critical factor affecting JRW’s decision to explore other opportunities.”
Whether or not that’s a serious threat is unknown, but it certainly adds another layer to the story.
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Obviously there’s a lot more to come in the weeks and months ahead. With that in mind though, here’s hoping the adults involved in this situation can resolve it as adults, and find it within themselves to step aside at the appropriate time. This is all about the kids, and they should be able to play the game without any doubts or drama when summer time rolls around.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
