Stay away from the yellow Gatorade.
A player on a high school junior varsity team in New Mexico is facing 15 counts of battery after allegedly urinating into the water cooler of an opposing school, the Rio Rancho Police Department announced last Friday.
The 16-year-old player from Rio Rancho High School, who was not named, is facing the charges after the alleged incident took place in connection with a March 25 game against La Cueva High School, according to the Rio Rancho Observer.
The police department added that it could not release further details because it is an active investigation involving a minor.
The teen is charged with battery because New Mexico law defines it as “the unlawful, intentional touching or application of force to the person of another, when directed in a rude, insolent or angry manner.”
According to the outlet, Rio Rancho Police Department stated in a release that Rio Rancho Public Schools “takes this matter very seriously and is fully cooperating with law enforcement.”
Martin Salazar, a spokesperson for Albuquerque Public Schools, said in a statement that the district is happy that charges have been recommended in this case.
“Outrageous behaviour like this must be met with swift consequences to send the message that it’s unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Salazar said. “A vast majority of athletes, coaches and parents at schools in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and throughout New Mexico abide by good sportsmanship.
“We’re confident this unfortunate incident is an aberration.”
The charges come after RRPS announced that the entire team had been suspended, pending investigations by the police and school district.
While the police department did not provide further information about the case it has been reported that the player in question admitted to urinating in the jug.
La Cueva principal David Garcia apologized to the families involved for the student’s behaviour in a letter last week and urged them to consult a doctor if they think their child drank from the tainted jug.