Overview

• North Salinas High sophomore Clara Adams finished first in the 400 meters at the state meet but was disqualified after celebrating with a fire extinguisher, costing her the title and a spot in the 200-meter final.
• The California Interscholastic Federation judged the homage to Maurice Greene’s 2004 fire extinguisher moment unsportsmanlike despite Adams moving off-track and away from other competitors.
• David Adams, who provided the extinguisher and serves as his daughter’s coach, has accused CIF officials of racial bias following their refusal to overturn the penalty.
• A petition demanding the restoration of Adams’ state title has garnered over 1,700 signatures, highlighting growing pushback from athletes and supporters.
• Maurice Greene has called on CIF to reinstate Adams, arguing that a private, off-track celebration should not void her victory.