Online Video Places Fresno City College Men’s Basketball Program Under Scrutiny

Fresno City College Men’s Basketball player, Nick Hilton is shown pushing a rival team’s player in a video that surfaced on YouTube alleging “unethical” and “dangerous” tactics from the FCC team.

The Fresno City College Men’s Basketball program is under scrutiny after a video surfaced online showing team players using “unethical” and “dangerous” tactics on the court.

The video was posted to YouTube on Jan. 14 by Chabot College Men’s Basketball Coach Denny Aye and has since been removed.

The video contained 17 minutes of game footage showing alleged illegal actions from FCC players. Such actions include elbowing, illegal rebounding and tripping.

“As a result, the actions we have taken include a zero tolerance policy for any flagrant misconduct on any of our teams,” Fresno City College President, Cynthia Azari said in a statement released on Friday.

Although Azari’s statement doesn’t specify which player was suspended, earlier this week the Merced Sun-Star recognized that guard Nick Hilton, had been suspended by the team for two games. Hilton remained with the team but was not in uniform Wednesday night.

According to Azari, aside from a four-game suspension of the individual player, the team will undergo community volunteer service at the Marjorie Mason Center.

“All of us are committed to earning the respect of our colleagues and peers throughout the state,” Azari said.

According to the Merced Sun-Star, the video targeted Hilton for 15 examples of dirty play. He was seen either tripping, or attempting to trip opponents in nine separate incidents.

In an interview with KSEE 24, Aye said he posted the video as a way to protect the players and the integrity of the game.

“It’s just dangerous. It’s something that could really lead to something even more ugly, and I just don’t think there’s any place for it. And that’s why I did it,” Aye said.

The Rams go against Reedley College on Saturday at the FCC gymnasium at 7 p.m.