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Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts)
CLINTON - A Clinton High School basketball player who was allowed to play in a game Friday night after he was charged with beating his girlfriend is no longer a member of the team, a school official confirmed Tuesday night.
Heriberto Rojas Jr. is no longer playing for the Gaels, according to Clinton High athletic director and boys' basketball coach Tony Gannon.
Last week, Mr. Rojas, 18, allegedly beat his girlfriend when the couple got into an argument while driving in Fitchburg. Police said Mr. Rojas' girlfriend alleged that he punched her in the face several times. Police reportedly said the girlfriend had swelling to the right side of her face and lips and red marks on the side of her face.
Clinton High Principal James Hastings said Tuesday afternoon that he cannot comment about a student, but acknowledged he is "looking into" the incident.
Mr. Rojas, who allegedly got out of the car and fled after the incident, was arrested Friday by Clinton police on a warrant at Clinton High School, Clinton police said.
After his arraignment Friday on charges of assault and battery, Mr. Rojas returned to class and was allowed to play in a basketball game that night, school officials said.
He scored one point in the Gaels' loss to St. John's High in Shrewsbury.
Mr. Rojas did not play in Clinton's home game Monday against West Boylston High School.
School officials, Mr. Hastings said, haven't released an official statement.
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