August 9, 2022 by Charlie Eisenhood in Livewire, News with 0 comments
Nikko Locastro has been suspended for nine months by the PDGA’s Disciplinary Committee for a Class A infraction following an altercation with a rules marshal at the 2022 European Open.
Locastro was disqualified from the event after getting into the face of and intimidating tournament official Matej Verl, who had called Locastro on a time violation. A complaint to the PDGA Disciplinary Committee was adjudicated and the suspension was filed on August 8th. He will also face 15 months of probation.
Footage of the incident was aired live on the Disc Golf Network:
According to the PDGA, “Class A Offenses are the most serious category, and generally involve actual harm to other players. Physical battery, sexual assault, credible threats of imminent harm to another player, stalking, and intimidation are among potential Class A offenses. Class A offenses carry a standard penalty of a 24-month suspension followed by twelve months of probation. Aggravating factors may lead the Committee to consider penalties up to or including a permanent ban. Mitigating factors may lead the Committee to consider lesser penalties.”
Locastro’s suspension, pending any appeal, will be in effect until May 8, 2023. He will miss the remainder of the 2022 season, including USDGC and the DGPT Championship, as well as the first two months of the 2023 season.
The PDGA released a general statement about the policies and procedures of the Disciplinary Committee in conjunction with posting Locastro’s suspension. Stay tuned for more on this story.
