Coach, players disciplined over behavior

Tuesday, March 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Tulsa Memorial basketball coach Robert Sprague has been suspended for one game and at least three players have been disciplined by the school district because of the players' behavior after a game Friday.

The punishments imposed Monday came after complaints about the way Memorial's players acted after they defeated Tahlequah 55-48 on Friday in an area tournament winners bracket final at Skiatook.

Some players allegedly pulled off their jerseys, jumped onto the scorer's table and taunted Tahlequah fans. Another player allegedly lowered his shorts in front of the crowd.

Danny Rennels, executive secretary of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, said the player who allegedly lowered his shorts has been suspended from the team permanently.

Sprague will not coach his team against Putnam North on Thursday in the Class 6A first-round state tournament game.

Rennels said two or three other players "may not participate in the game fully on Thursday, depending on their involvement."

Rennels said the OSSAA was pleased with the school district's reaction to the incident and would not impose any further penalty.