A Michigan high school basketball team is taking being sore losers to an abusive, low level. On February 26, the Benton Harbour High School basketball team and its assistant coach took their defeat to an ugly turn when they attacked an old MHSAA referee. Footage capturing the nasty incident was shared on Reddit. After the elderly referee blew the final whistle, the winning team cheered in celebration. However, as the official approached the commentator’s table, the assistant coach of the other team and some players went at him.
The coach was seen advancing toward the old man while yelling. Suddenly, one of the players threw a basketball at the elderly official’s head. The impact caused the referee to bend in pain. Even as he was reeling from the hit, the team threw more objects at him. The coach flung an empty Gatorade bottle at the referee. Two more bottles were also thrown at him.
When the official tried to leave the court, he was stoned with another item, causing him to fall. On noticing the situation, Dowagiac Police present came to the referee’s rescue and helped him from the ground. Soon, they safely escorted him out of the basketball court.
The clip of the attack sparked an uproar from netizens who suggested that the coach and students be severely punished. A Redditor expressed this opinion, writing, “I’d like to see a battery charge. That might start getting people’s attention.”
A second netizen suggested, “All involved should have been charged with assault. The elderly referee could have incurred a head injury from the hits or broken something in the fall.”
A third user suggested, “The basketball team should be disbanded for at least the next two years.” And all players on the team that were involved banned from ALL sports for the rest of their high school careers.”
A fourth commentator added, “Agreed. Until examples are made out of these entitled little (and the older) shits, nothing will change.”
After an internal investigation, school officials confirmed that the assistant coach was involved. Consequently, disciplinary actions were taken against him. Benton Harbour Area Schools superintendent, Kevin Butts, disclosed in his statement:
“Immediate action has been taken, and that individual is no longer associated with or employed by the district in any capacity.”
The superintendent, however, failed to divulge any information concerning the students who participated, MLive reports. According to Butts, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protected the students. However, he assured that the board was reviewing the matter. The MHSAA is also looking into the matter, and there have been no reports of the referee being hospitalized.
