Underage Drinking Charges Dropped for Dismissed Lacrosse Players

The three Severna Park High varsity lacrosse players who were issued underage drinking citations at a local house party had their charges dropped by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, according to their parents.

Logan Swartz received a letter dated April 25 stating the department decided "not to authorize juvenile court action." The letter outlined the reasons for the decision.

“This decision included consideration of the facts of the case and the juvenile's involvement. Home, school and community adjustment along with parental concern and control were examined. Past history with the police and court was also considered.”

Swartz and two lacrosse teammates—Cole Duncan and Sam Mayer—were originally issued underage drinking citations at a March 23 house party at a Severna Park home. Two weeks after the party, the three lacrosse players were dismissed from the varsity team. Now the charges against all three have been dropped: Duncan’s charges were dismissed on April 30 and Mayer’s case was deemed unfounded last week.

“It’s an injustice,” said Cole Duncan’s father, Jim. “The boys are found innocent by the courts and guilty by Principal Bathras, and weren’t given any due process to prove anything to him. I think he is sending the wrong message.”

Severna Park High principal Patrick Bathras has declined to speak to Patch about this matter.

All student-athletes must agree to a code of conduct both in and out of school when they join teams, according to the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) athletic handbook. Any violation of that conduct is subject to penalty as determined by coaches. The code of conduct for SPHS athletes reminds students that "participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right."

The three teens filed appeals with the school regarding their dismissal from the team on April 22. According to the school system, Bathras has 10 school days to address the appeal. The last lacrosse game of the regular season is scheduled for Friday.

The woman who lives at the home where the party took place, with contributing to the condition of a minor and disorderly house, according to online charging documents.

See Also:

• Police: 22 Teens Charged with Drinking at Party
• Woman Charged in Severna Park House Party
• Dismissed Lacrosse Players Appeal Coach's Decision After House Party