(Photo Courtesy of Sideline Photos)

As first reported by Inside Lacrosse, Amherst has fired longtime head coach Jon Thompson and has self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2021 season.

These decisions were made following a very disturbing racial altercation that involved members of the men’s lacrosse team two weeks ago. However, in a letter from the administration, it citied that there were multiple other cases, including an anti-semitic incident in 2019, that preceded the incident two weeks ago. 

Also, the letter states that the entire 2021 season could be cancelled if any member of the men’s lacrosse team is found violating the Student Code of Conduct related to racism, vandalism, or sexual misconduct. It also mentions that the men’s lacrosse team will be prohibited from engaging in formal team gatherings prior to November 1, 2020 and each player must complete an educational course in consultation with the chief diversity and inclusion officer and the director of athletics. 

Amherst finished their 2020 season with a 3-1 record and was ranked as the No. 7th team in DIII in the USILA Coaches poll, one of three NESCAC programs ranked in the top-10 prior to the season getting cut short.