Projo Sports Blog

By KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Staff

PROVIDENCE - Providence College officials acknowledged today that they've taken steps to prevent a repeat of what they call an ``embarrassing'' incident in Saturday's loss to Marquette University at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

In the second half of the nationally televised game, Jonathan Xavier, 24, of Pawtucket, came out of the stands and walked through the PC team bench and onto the court where he confronted a referee. Xavier did not touch the official and was pulled off the floor by Dunkin' Donuts Center security guards without incident.

Xavier was arrested and released by Providence Police after being charged with one count of disorderly conduct. He will be arraigned in Providence Municipal Court next Tuesday. Xavier is on probation for a drug conviction. Attempts to reach Xavier via the telephone number or at the Pawtucket address he left with the police have failed.

Xavier is an older brother of Jeff Xavier, a Friar senior who was elbowed in the eye during a play that precipitated his brother coming down to the floor. Jeff Xavier left the game with an eye injury that required three stitches to close but was back in the lineup for Monday night's PC win over the University of Cincinnati.

PC released a statement today that read, in part, ``following the incident, Providence College and the Dunkin' Donuts Center recognized that there was a need to take precautions to prevent further incidents during our men's basketball games. As a result, the number of security personnel was increased and uniformed Providence Police officers are now strategically positioned near the team benches.''

During Monday's Cincinnati game, a police officer was stationed directly behind the PC bench for the first time. Also, more security officers were seated closer to the playing floor.

"We were disappointed and embarrassed about the situation that occurred when the fan entered the court during our men's basketball game versus Marquette on Saturday," Providence College Athletics Director Bob Driscoll said. "The safety of the student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans is a top priority for us. We have worked with the Dunkin' Donuts Center to improve our security efforts at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and we will constantly monitor these efforts."

 Tags  Jeff Xavier PC Basketball

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