Basketball Player Apologizes for Violent Hit in Game

FITCHBURG - A Fitchburg State University basketball player on suspension after he struck a Nichols College player in the face with a forearm during a game Tuesday issued an apology through his Instagram account.

Kewan Platt of Jamaica Plain, who was suspended from the team and university the day after he knocked Nichols College player Nate Tenaglia to the floor during a game in Fitchburg, apologized to Mr. Tenaglia, Fitchburg State and others. Mr. Platt posted a statement Thursday.

"I hereby want to apologize and show my deep regret upon my actions that occurred during the game against Nichols College the other night," he wrote. "What I did is totally unacceptable and not justified in any way. I got frustrated and lost control over my behavior. I know these words cannot undo my wrongdoings. In the future I promise to make better choices."

Mr. Platt elbowed Mr. Tenaglia in the face as the Nichols College player was completing a three-point shot. Mr. Tenaglia, who did not appear to see the blow coming, fell to the floor, but got back up to successfully shoot two free throws. Mr. Platt was issued a technical foul and removed from the game because it was his second technical foul.

The incident was captured on video, as part of the school's airing of the contest. Replays were widely shared on social media and in national media.

The incident was condemned by Fitchburg State University, Nichols College Athletic Director Chris Colvin and the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference. The incident is under review by Fitchburg State University's police department and by the university as a whole.

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