On Thursday night, Camden High School would take on Camden Eastside for the title game in the inaugural Camden County Tournament in New Jersey. The game, unfortunately, came to an abrupt end, being suspended after a brawl broke out between the two teams.

The game took place at Cherry Hill High School, a neutral site for both teams. Camden was leading the game 30-17 with 4:23 left in the second quarter when the fight initiated. Eastside’s Titus Bacon appeared to initiate a screen in which he was met with a forearm from Camden’s Cornelius Robinson. In retaliation, Bacon threw a punch toward Robinson in the same instance. A foul was called, but the action did not stop when the whistle was blown.

Kentucky signee, DJ Wagner acted instantly in defense of his Camden teammate, chasing after the Eastside player. Wagner had to be held back by teammates and coaches as benches and bleachers were cleared in the scuffle. Current teammate and fellow future Wildcat, Aaron Bradshaw, was one of the first teammates there to assist in pulling Wagner out of the situation.

The action was broken up by coaches, officials, spectators, and members of the Cherry Hill police department. Due to the escalated situation, the remainder of the game was suspended.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the altercation.

Camden and Eastside suspended from state tournament

No action goes without consequence. On Friday, Katrina McCombs, State District Superintendent of the Camden County School District announced that the district will be withdrawing Camden and Camden Eastside from state tournament participation.

Per McCombs’ press release, “we know meaningful action must be taken and it must be done swiftly which is why the District will be withdrawing both teams from NJSIAA [New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association] tournament play. This initiative is being taken to ensure that our scholar-athletes know that accountability for their actions is paramount not only in basketball but also in the larger game of life.”

Regretfully, future Wildcats DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw have played their final games for Camden High. They will miss the opportunity to defend their state title.

Camden held a 23-2 record and was set to be the No. 2 seed in their respective section of the state tournament. They were a favorite to win the tournament.

Camden’s first-year coach, Maalik Wayns, released a statement via Twitter issuing an apology and taking “full responsibility” for the actions involving his team.

What does this mean for Wagner and Bradshaw at Kentucky?

Hopefully, Camden’s suspension from the state tournament will be the extent of their punishment. At this time, there is nothing indicating that Wagner or Bradshaw would face any consequences affecting their collegiate career.

When news of Camden’s brawl hit the Big Blue Nation, there were mixed thoughts and feelings reflected across social media.

Some Kentucky fans looked at Wagner’s actions in a positive light, appreciating his toughness and grit to fight in his teammates’ defense. Many took the opportunity to apply the popular expression, “he’s got that dawg in him.”

On the other hand, there were plenty of fans who had the opposite view. Fighting in sports isn’t really the best look, especially if it creates negative consequences affecting the rest of the team.

Regardless of how it may seem, having a player with some grit and an edge might be exactly what Kentucky Basketball needs. DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw will both bring toughness and willingness to battle that every coach wants to see in their players.

It is a tough break for the two future Wildcats to lose the opportunity to play for another state championship. However, it will also serve as an invaluable situation for these young players to learn, grow, and mature from before they get to Lexington.

As it stands, both Wagner and Bradshaw are still eligible to play in the McDonald’s All-American game on March 28th.