Whatever Brown University lacrosse player John Yozzo-Scaperrotta was doing, Chris Baker didn't like it. Baker, the head coach of Princeton's lacrosse team, can be seen on the video below tossing and elbow in Yozzo-Scarperrotta's direction as the latter jogs off the field for a change.
As a result of the elbow, which was seen live on the WatchESPN app, Baker has been placed on administrative leave.
The Ivy League and NCAA are also looking into the matter.
"The University is taking this matter seriously and will be conducting a prompt and thorough review," Princeton said in a statement.
Princeton coach Chris Bates on administrative leave stemming from on-field incident. Video: https://t.co/Mi31WIWHsq pic.twitter.com/EJn6hXaX5N
— Inside Lacrosse (@Inside_Lacrosse) April 4, 2016
Baker responded to requests for comment by indicating that there was "more context to the story than what appears in a :5 clip."
Prior to the elbow, Yozzo-Scaperrotta had collided with Princeton player Austin deButts in front of the Tigers' bench.
After coming to the sidelines for the substitution and being elbowed by Bates, Yozzo-Scaperrotta and the Princeton head coach exchanged words.
Ironically, Bates' bio on the Tigers website touts his "calmness and strength" as the "bedrock" on which the Princeton men's lacrosse program is built.
During his time with the program, Bates has found ample success. He's now led the Tigers to three Ivy League championships, four Ivy League tournament finals, and two NCAA tournament appearances.
Prior to joining Princeton, Bates was the head coach at Drexel, collecting a 70-71 overall record.
Unfortunately for Bates, it's likely that his frustrations over the poor start to the 2016 season that led, at least in part, to the incident with Yozzo-Scaperrotta.
The Tigers trailed Brown 7-6 at the time of the elbowing, but the Bears went on a tear in the second half to remain undefeated and drop Princeton to 2-6.
