Mallard Creek High School had won two state championships in a row and was on its way to another one here at the conclusion of the 4x400 relay. That is, until Ngannou Brown raised his hand and was disqualified from the final race.
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That's it. He raised his hand. North Carolina track officials deemed this "unsportsmanlike," and Mallard Creek was demoted to second, allowing for Jordan High School to win the meet.
Another angle:
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The Charlotte Observer says this disqualification "cost them a third straight ring' at the state championships.
People are saying Brown had already been issued a warning earlier in the meet for this:
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There is no confirmation that a warning was received for that earlier infraction. Officials say they gave him one. Coach says they were never made aware of the warning.
However, there is confirmation that Mallard Creek was disqualified and took second instead of first.
A statement from the NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker via On3:
'Judgment decisions made by meet officials are done with the full knowledge of NFHS Track & Field Rules as well as rules and expectations of the NCHSAA relative to unsporting behavior and actions,' Tucker said. 'We recognize there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved.'
No 3-peat for you!
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