The Hopkinsville Tiger basketball team got a big boost Thursday evening, a boost that could have impact on the post season across the 2nd Region. In a joint public statement issued late Thursday, Christian County Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill announced that Shorty Cager has been conditionally reinstated to be eligible to play for the Hopkinsville Tigers, effective Saturday.
In her part of the statement, Gemmill noted that Cager was suspended in November under the school district’s prior drug testing policy. Gemmill added that Cager then apologized and “accepted responsibility” in December. Cager also asked for help in “addressing his mistake” and asked to have his suspension from athletic eligibility reconsidered.
At that point, Gemmill states she offered the opportunity to Cager, with strict compliance to two primary guidelines. One, that he attend and receive treatment. Two, that he refrain from use of illegal drugs. In her statement, Gemmill said that over the past several weeks, Cager had strictly complied with her guidelines, thereby, he was being conditionally reinstated. She did note that his continuing eligibility depended on the same adherence to the guidelines.
In his part of the statement, Cager thanked Gemmill for the chance to get help and return to playing high school basketball. He also apologized to his coaches, his school, and his teammates.
With Cager unavailable, and some other injury issues, the Tigers have struggled through the early part of the season, and currently stand at 6-10. Weather permitting, Cager’s first game back would be with the Tigers at the Music City Classic, Saturday in Nashville.
For a copy of the joint statement, read below.
Joint-Public-Statement-1-11-18