Undefeated lacrosse team's championship dreams end in controversy after players punished over fake cigars

An undefeated Massachusetts high school lacrosse team's championship hopes came to an abrupt end this week after school officials ruled nine players ineligible, forcing Ipswich High School to forfeit its state semifinal matchup.

The decision has sparked controversy because the players insist they never violated the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's tobacco policy, claiming the cigars they used during a graduation celebration contained no tobacco.

Ipswich forfeited...