Overview
- Clara Adams was stripped of her CIF 400-meter state title and barred from the 200-meter final after an off-track fire extinguisher celebration modeled on Maurice Greene.
- California Interscholastic Federation officials ruled the tribute unsportsmanlike and upheld the disqualification despite no similar penalties in 20 years of championships.
- A petition to reinstate Adams’ title has gathered over 1,700 signatures in a show of community support.
- Maurice Greene publicly backed Adams, stating that celebrations that do not interfere with competitors should be allowed.
- Adams’ father and coach, David Adams, alleges the ruling was racially motivated and critics have raised concerns about inconsistent officiating standards.