A public reprimand has been issued to two student-athletes from the University of Charleston (West Virginia) over behavior toward officials after the national title game of the 2021 Division II Men's Soccer Championship on Dec. 11.
The Division II Men's Soccer Committee issued the reprimand and other penalties. Charleston chose not to appeal the decision.
After a 1-0 loss to Cal State LA in the championship match, Charleston student-athletes Emil Rasmussen and Said Garcia displayed unsportsmanlike conduct toward game officials, committee members found.
Penalties for Charleston include:
- A public reprimand and a fine equal to two days of per diem ($230 total) regarding Rasmussen.
- A public reprimand and a fine equal to two days of per diem ($230) regarding Garcia.
"The committee was very disappointed in the behavior exhibited by Mr. Rasmussen and Mr. Garcia," said Terry Beattie, chair of the Division II Men's Soccer Committee and director of athletics at West Chester. "While the committee understands that student-athletes may have frustrations during or after competition, such frustrations cannot be allowed to lead to these behaviors toward the officials."