State health department says Washington Wild Things didn’t need to shut down

WASHINGTON, Pa. — A day after the Washington Wild Things suspended their season following a warning by Pennsylvania State Police, the state’s health department seemed to contradict what the team said the reasoning was behind its decision.

According to the team, the organization was warned by state police that if their season continued, they could be held accountable. When Gov. Tom Wolf permitted professional sports to resume play in front of 250 people, the organization put together a plan that would let fans enjoy the game in a safe and healthy environment.

You can customize your WPXI News App to receive Washington County news alerts. CLICK HERE to find out how.

However, the Pa. Department of Health clarified by saying PSP received complaints about too many people attending games and that the organization never applied for a waiver that would allow the Wild Things to extend capacity beyond 250 people.

“It was my job,” said general manager Tony Buccilli, “to put together a program that would ensure our players and fans stayed safe while enjoying quality competition.”

Health department officials told Channel 11 that “there was no intent for the Washington Wild Things to shut down,” and that the team can continue its season as long as it meets the 250 capacity limit.

Management tells Channel 11 that the Wild Things invited three other teams to play their season in Washington County. The teams did not travel, and all players remained in Washington, Pennsylvania. “All four teams were in isolation before the season began, and all the players were extremely responsible about this because they knew how important it was for this project to be successful.”

“We feel terrible. We never want to disappoint our fans, and we were hoping not to have layoffs. Equally painful, we’re pulling the rug out from under our players and coaching staff who are in the middle of playoffs. It’s terrible to work hard, trying do the right things, and then to be accused of doing something wrong,” said Buccilli.

Diana Irey Vaughan, the chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, sent us a statement Monday night: “I am very disappointed that the Wild Thing’s season is being suspended. They provide affordable family entertainment that will be missed by many in our communities.”

You can read the health department’s full statement about the Wild Things below:

“For professional sports, the total number of participants is required to be 250 or less. The Pennsylvania Department of Health did grant the team permission to play, based on the plan submitted to the department by the Washington Wild Things. The department, in approving the team’s plan, did not provide any waiver in any way for the team or facility to expand capacity beyond 250.

The Pennsylvania State Police did receive complaints regarding attendance in excess of 250 people. PSP spoke to the Washington Wild Things about the complaints. There was no intent for the Washington Wild Things to shut down. The Washington Wild Things can continue their season but they cannot exceed 250 participants per the plan they submitted.”

Washington Wild Things Offer Job To Fired Pirates Pierogi Washington Wild Things Offer Job To Fired Pirates Pierogi

Cox Media Group