Abbotsford's Columbia Bible College will no longer be hosting the 2025 Pacwest men's and women's basketball provincial tournaments.
The school released the news on Friday (Feb. 7) and stated that the event's moving is due to circumstances beyond their control. It's unclear where the event is being moved to.
This news comes a few days after the Pacwest announced they had concluded a three-month investigation into an alleged incident between the head coach of the CBC Bearcats and a trans-student athlete on the VIU Mariners. CBC had stated earlier on Friday that they were unhappy with the results of that investigation.
BREAKING: @ColumbiaBibleCo will no longer be hosting the @pacwestbc basketball provincials.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 7, 2025
This comes after a three-month Pacwest investigation following accusations of hateful behaviour by @cbcBearcats head coach Taylor Claggett to a trans student-athlete on the @VIUMariners. pic.twitter.com/FBFS5dcpyj
CBC's Taylor Claggett was accused by VIU Mariners player and trans student-athlete Harriette Mackenzie of questioning her right to play and allegedly instructing players to attempt to injure her during Pacwest women's basketball games.
The games occurred on Oct. 25 and 26 in Nanaimo. The two teams were scheduled to play in Abbotsford in January, but the Mariners refused to play and cited concern for their safety. The games were postponed and are now expected to be rescheduled.
The three-month investigation by @pacwestbc about alleged physical & verbal attacks in a women's basketball game between @VIUMariners & @cbcBearcats is over.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 4, 2025
The Pacwest shared a decision has been made & the case is closed. More to come.
Statement here - https://t.co/mlEXoJ0DKn
The Pacwest released a brief statement on Feb. 4 explaining that the investigation has concluded and the decision has been communicated to both schools. They added that the matter is now closed and no further comments will be made. No details were released on what, if any, punishment has been doled out.
CBC officials sent a statement to The News and expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation results.
"CBC is deeply disappointed with Pacwest's decision," the statement provided to The News read. "We do not believe that a proper process was followed or that the results were fair. As a result, we are taking steps to have Pacwest's decision reviewed. We will not be commenting further at this time."
It's unclear what steps CBC will make to review the results of the investigation. CBC was asked for more details about the results of the investigation and possible punishment, but chose not to answer.
The @VIUMariners have acknowledged that the investigation is over and they are pleased with the results.
鈥� Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 6, 2025
Adding that "the decision reinforces the importance of upholding principles of respect, equity, and inclusion with collegiate athletics."
Full statement below https://t.co/qZG3bPWNDn pic.twitter.com/YYHLnXXJDL
VIU put out a statement this week and said they were satisfied with the results of the investigation.
"The decision reinforces the importance of upholding principles of respect, equity, and inclusion with collegiate athletics," the statement read. "We are pleased with the results of the investigation, which reflect the values we uphold at Vancouver Island University."
We thank the Pacwest for its diligence and commitment to upholding its standards, and we extend our gratitude to all those who supported this process. At VIU, we proudly stand in full support of our student-athletes and affirm the right of all athletes to compete in an environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being."
The statement added that support for student-athletes on and off the court was VIU's priority and they want to ensure that all student-athletes feel safe and respected.
VIU was asked for additional details on the results of the investigation, but chose not to share more.
Pacwest and VIU both said that they believe the postponed games are going to be rescheduled, but were unsure of when or where the games will occur. VIU players had initially requested that CBC not host the upcoming Pacwest basketball provincials, but all parties involved stated that they believe that the event will still come to Abbotsford later this month.
VIU and CBC currently rank first and second in the Pacwest women's basketball standings.
