Jackie Robinson West, feeling 'disrespect,' to leave Little League

CHICAGO -- Jackie Robinson West plans to leave the Little League organization for the Babe Ruth League's Cal Ripken Division.

The team was stripped of its national title in February after allegations arose that team officials falsified boundaries to add ineligible players to the roster. Jackie Robinson West officials hired an attorney to conduct an investigation.

Team spokesman Glenn Harston told the Chicago Tribune on Thursday that the decision to leave was "based on the disregard and disrespect" shown by the Little League organization. He said the league didn't talk with team officials about redistricting plans after the cheating accusations emerged.

The Ruth-Ripken organization doesn't follow the same borders, Harston said, but the team should be able to stay together.

A Little League spokesman didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.