A sports writer has it right.

In today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a sports writier, Michael Hunt, actually didn't sound like an idiot and actually made some valid points. He evene used a big word like "adjudicate" (look it up) in the title of his article. He was speaking about a recent event at a Milwaukee High School boy's basketball game. The game ended by a one point upset and fans were rightfully excited. Some of the fans thought it would be a good idea to celebrate on the court. What soon erupted was phrased as " a riot" or a "brawl" by many, including ESPN.com This was a sad scene that really put a black mark on high school sports and Milwaukee in general. No one would argue that there is no place for these types of actions anywhere in America, let alone at a high school event. There is however differering view points on comments made and actions taken after the event. This is where Hunt got it right.

The following day the Milwaukee Mayor came out and made a statement about the event. He went on to more than just imply, but literally say that if this were to happen again he would take the appropriate measures to cancel the basketball programs at Milwaukee Public Schools, This might be the dumbest statement made ever by a politician I have heard. This "brawl" occurred because of basically 5-6 people making stupid decisions and then involving more and more. Most everyone else goes to the game to hang out with their firends in a safe environment and have a good time. Cancelling basketball programs because of a few bad seeds would be like saying: "If bank robberies continue we are going to close all banks." or "If drive-by shootings don't stop we are are going make cars illegal." Now that just sounds insane, but its the same thing. How many students and members of the communtiy go to games and just have a good time? Probably the same percentage of people who go to the bank without robbing it.

The truth is high school, and especially public high schools, need programs like basketball. How many students stay after shcool to go to practice or meetings for different activities like basketball. If they didn't stay after many of these students who go home to often-times troubled neighborhoods and would be at risk for drugs, violence, and other negative behaviors. On top of that; in an already money-dry area like public education, these programs, especially basketball, bring in much needed money. The game the other night had 1,ooo fans in attendance. With each fan paying on average $3, thats $3000 that can be used in the public education arena. After the brawl the other night those two schools, Bradley Tech and Bay View are only allowed to sell tickets to the players' immediate family (parents and guardians). So instead of having 1000 fans, there will literally be 24 maximum (12 players with 2 parents). Where's this lossed money going to come from? I guarantee that the mayor will not allow a tax increase, he already said he wants to cancel basketball programs. I guess the money is going to have to come from the public school system. Do you want to be the one to go up to Marshall and tell him there's not enough money for a tutoring program, or new computers for research in the library?

Thank you Mr. Sports Writer for putting is straight and showing the insanity of our mayor's comments.