Cellphone video caught the moments when a white-haired Michigan high school basketball referee was knocked down to the court surface after objects were thrown at him and hit him after a playoff game last week.
What’s more, an assistant coach from one of the teams allegedly was “involved” in the postgame incident and has been fired.
‘I had never seen that type of officiating … ever. Ever.’
Check out WNDU-TV’s video report here, which includes the cellphone clip of the referee being pelted with the objects.
First, he’s hit in the back of the head by a basketball, which stuns and staggers him for a few moments. As the referee begins to retreat, another object hits him in the shoulder, and another object whizzes by and misses him. Finally, another object hits him in the head, and the referee quickly reaches for his head as he falls to the court surface and rolls over on his back and then rolls again to his knees. Police soon pick him up and escort him from the court.
Police told WNDU-TV a thrown notebook also hit the referee while he was in a hallway in an attempt to leave the building.
Assistant coach fired over ‘involvement’ in incident
Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Kelvin Butts said the district “confirmed that an assistant basketball coach was involved in the postgame incident with an official. Immediate action has been taken, and that individual is no longer associated with or employed by the district in any capacity,” the station reported.
WNDU said the attack occurred immediately after the Benton Harbor boys’ team lost to Buchanan 39-36 last Wednesday in a district semifinal playoff game at Dowagiac Union High School. The station said Benton Harbor was called for 22 fouls, while Buchanan was called for eight.
Dowagiac Police told WNDU that charges are being sought and they still are attempting to identify other individuals who engaged in the assault against the referee. A different video report from WNDU reportedly shows a still image of two people allegedly involved in the attack.
Police told the station more than three individuals were involved in the assault and that those from the Buchanan side did not take part.
Butts told WNDU that one of those involved in the postgame fracas is a student — but the district can’t provide specific details about the student’s involvement due to federal regulations.
Here’s more from Superintendent Butts’ statement:
Following thorough internal investigations and a report from the Dowagiac Union Schools School Resource Officer (SRO), we have confirmed that an assistant basketball coach was involved in the postgame incident with an official. Immediate action has been taken, and that individual is no longer associated with or employed by the District in any capacity.
Benton Harbor Area Schools unequivocally condemns and will not tolerate any acts of violence. While we understand that competitive events can generate intense emotions for both adults and students, the incidents that occurred following last week’s District basketball game are unacceptable and deeply concerning.
Regarding the student involved, we are bound by FERPA regulations and therefore cannot provide specific details. However, we assure you that the District is actively reviewing this matter in full compliance with Board policies, procedures, and the Student Code of Conduct.
We have maintained close communication with the other schools involved and have also engaged in productive discussions with Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Executive staff. Our focus is not only to address the events of February 26th but, more importantly, to implement comprehensive measures that prevent any recurrence of such incidents. Our dialogue with the MHSAA will continue as we collaboratively work to foster a safe and respectful environment for all participants.
Anything else?
Buchanan Community Schools Superintendent Patricia Robinson — whose team was triumphant against Benton Harbor — told WXMI-TV that “I had never seen that type of officiating … ever. Ever. This is my first time ever experiencing that.” Again, WNDU said Benton Harbor was called for 22 fouls while Buchanan was called for eight.
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Crime, Michigan, Fearless, Sports, High school basketball, Referee, Violence, Post-game violence, Benton harbor high school, Police investigation, Police, Coach fired, Assault, Physical attack
