Another episode of violence unfolds on the basketball court.
A high school basketball game in Corona, California, took a disturbing turn when a referee punched a coach in the face following a heated exchange on the sidelines.
This incident occurred during a game between Oak Hills and Arlington at Santiago High School last Saturday, and the shocking altercation was captured on camera by a spectator in the stands. The footage shows the referee approaching the coach, who has his hands around his waist, and then getting closer before striking the coach in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The referee continues to throw punches thereafter.
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According to TMZ Sports, the referee involved, Brandon Knapper, approached Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander, who was evidently upset with a particular call (or calls). Tensions escalated with exchanged words between Brandon Knapper and Alexander, culminating in the punch right in front of the team’s bench.
Subsequent to this incident, the game was canceled, and Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander was taken to the hospital. Alexander requested that Brandon Knapper be prosecuted, and Knapper voluntarily turned himself in, subsequently facing charges of two felonies: Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Assault By Means Likely To Produce Great Bodily Injury.
Following this altercation, the Hesperia Unified School District issued a statement to TMZ Sports, expressing gratitude for the prompt and decisive actions taken by the event organizers and local law enforcement. They also shared that Coach Alexander is in good spirits and anticipates returning to coaching and teaching soon. The district has full confidence that law enforcement, CIF, and Oak Hills High School, with the district’s support, will conduct a thorough investigation and handle the situation appropriately.
When Knapper appears in court on November 3rd, the judge will undoubtedly take into account the fact that this altercation occurred in front of high school students. It serves as a stark reminder that every adult in the room should set a positive example for the next generation.
If the adults present cannot control their behavior, it raises questions about how we can expect the young athletes to conduct themselves appropriately.
