Massachusetts High School Lacrosse Team Forfeits Playoff Game Over Cigar Photo

Executive Briefing

• Ipswich High School forfeited a state playoff game after photos showed players apparently smoking cigars at graduation
• Superintendent suspended six players for violating state rules barring student athletes from tobacco use
• Parents claimed cigars were fake tea-leaf products and submitted a supermarket receipt as evidence
• Principal investigated personally, discovering the receipt showed the 'tea' was purchased 20 minutes after the violation was reported
• Controversy escalated when police were called after two fathers clashed with school administrators