INDIANA OF PENNSYLVANIA 5 suspended players go to court to seek playoff reinstatement

Indiana coach Frank Cignetti said three will be suspended regardless.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Five Indiana University of Pennsylvania football players suspended because of a postgame fight filed court documents Monday asking that they be reinstated in time for Saturday's NCAA Division II playoff game.
In the complaint filed in Indiana County Court, the five players -- four of whom are starters -- contend the decision of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission and commissioner Steve Murray to suspend them was arbitrary and capricious.
The players' lawyer, David V. White, contends the PSAC did not conduct a timely and thorough review of the fight at Slippery Rock following IUP's 34-28 overtime win Nov. 9. White also said that neither the players themselves nor their coaches were interviewed as part of the investigation.
"We believe the process was flawed," White said. "Our position is that the PSAC suspended these five young men, but did it in a way that didn't follow their own internal guidelines."
Murray, who wouldn't comment on the specifics of the case, said, "I think it's a shame," when asked about the players' request that a judge grant an injunction allowing them to play a home game Saturday against Saginaw Valley, Mich.
Postgame brawl
The fight occurred after IUP beat Slippery Rock, when several IUP players rushed toward a ceremonial rock dedicated to former Slippery Rock coach Bob DiSpirito and got involved in a fight with ROTC cadets.
The cadets were stationed there to prevent Indiana players from scaling the rock, as they did after beating Slippery Rock three years ago.
Murray, after reviewing a tape, suspended nine players for one game, four from Slippery Rock. Those players missed Slippery Rock's regular season finale Saturday against Clarion.
IUP had the week off leading into this week's playoff game.
A statement from Indiana coach Frank Cignetti said an internal investigation has been conducted and that even if the players are successful in getting the injunction, three players will be suspended for the playoff game. He did not identify the players.
"It is time for this team to move forward," Cignetti said in the statement.
The five suspended players for IUP are cornerback Kairi Cooper, defensive tackle Craig Prince, defensive end Andrew Battle, fullback Justin Spence and wide receiver Ben Shaffer. Shaffer is the only non-starter.
The Indiana County court administrator's office said a hearing on the case hadn't been scheduled, but White said he expected it to be heard Thursday.