Controversy On Penalty At Track State Meet

The class 8A state track championship ended in controversy after Mallard Creek High School’s boys 4x400 relay team was disqualified during the final race of the meet, making what seemed like a guaranteed state championship for Mallard Creek turn into one of the most talked about moments of the meet.

Ben Brown races the 4x800

Mallard Creek anchor runner Nyan Brown raised five fingers before crossing the line, believing the team had secured their fifth championship. Seconds later officials disqualified Brown for unsportsmanlike conduct after deciding that he celebrated before the race officially ended. The disqualification changed the final standings with Jordan High School finishing as state champions.

Jordan hurdlers compete at States

The moment quickly spread across social media with people debating whether or not the punishment was too harsh. Coach Carter said he believes the controversy has taken the attention away from Jordan's accomplishments. “I think that Jordan is being overshadowed,” he said. “I think that the hard work that these gentlemen put in to be in a position to win has a story behind it that should be told,” Coach Carter added.

Carter referenced a similar moment from their indoor season when Jordan got a disqualification that cost the team ten points, leading to them losing by eight. He said the team during the indoor season when something similar happened to us about a disqualification for a relay,” Carter said. “We lost 10 points and we ended up losing by eight so it just happened to be someone else this time.” Coach Carter also defended the officials decision saying all coaches and athletes are expected to follow the rules before competing. “This is a rule book that every coach in North Carolina gets,” he explained while holding up the official rulebook. “My team knew what the expectations were going in, and they knew there were consequences.”

Jordan runner Jalen Diggs competes in the 4x800 relay

Carter said the experience should serve as a lesson for athletes both in sport and in life. “I think the lesson that we can take away from everything that's been going on is understand what you're getting yourself into thoroughly,” he shared “There are things you're not going to like that you have to follow.” The result remains under scrutiny as Mallard Creek is reportedly seeking to appeal the disqualification.