H.S. Basketball Referee Assaults Coach, Arrested
In a shocking turn of events, a high school basketball referee has been arrested after assaulting a coach during a game. The altercation reportedly began as a verbal argument between the referee and the coach, but quickly escalated when the referee proceeded to throw punches at the coach. The incident took place at a fall league contest between two teams in California, and the coach involved has pressed charges against the referee. This incident highlights the concerning issue of violence in sports and raises questions about the safety and professionalism of referees.
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H.S. Basketball Referee Assaults Coach, Arrested
Incident at a Fall League Basketball Game
In a shocking incident that took place at a fall league basketball game, a high school basketball referee was arrested for assaulting a coach. The incident occurred at Santiago High School in Corona, California on October 21st.
Verbal Altercation between Referee and Coach
The altercation between the referee, Brandon Knapper, and the coach, Rob Alexander, started as a result of a disagreement over the referee’s officiating. Witnesses reported that the coach became upset with Knapper’s calls, leading to a heated argument between the two.
Referee Punches Coach
The verbal altercation quickly escalated when Knapper approached Alexander near the Oak Hills’ bench. Without warning, Knapper threw punches at the coach, causing him to fall to the floor. Players and others at the game intervened to try to stop the violence.
Coach Taken to Hospital
Due to the severity of the assault, the coach was immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention. The extent of his injuries was not disclosed in the reports.
Referee Turns Himself In
Realizing the gravity of his actions, Knapper decided to turn himself in to the authorities. It is unclear what motivated him to take this step, but it demonstrates a willingness to be accountable for his actions.
Charges Filed Against Referee
As a result of his assault on the coach, Knapper is now facing serious charges. He has been charged with battery causing serious bodily injury and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, both of which are felonies.
Referee Booked in Jail
After turning himself in, Knapper was booked in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department jail. His bail was set at $25,000, and he was released on Wednesday.
Statement from School District
The Hesperia Unified School District, to which Oak Hills High School belongs, released a statement condemning Knapper’s actions. They described the incident as “senseless and shameful” and expressed their gratitude for the swift response of event promoters and local law enforcement. The district also mentioned that Coach Alexander is in good spirits and looking forward to returning to coaching and teaching.
Investigation and Handling of Incident
The school district, along with law enforcement and CIF (California Interscholastic Federation), is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. They aim to gather all the facts and ensure that the incident is handled appropriately.
Referee’s Court Date
Knapper’s court appearance has been scheduled for November 3rd. The court proceedings will determine the legal consequences he will face for his actions.
Incident at a Fall League Basketball Game
Location and Date of the Game
The incident took place during a fall league basketball game at Santiago High School in Corona, California.
Teams Involved
The game involved the teams from Arlington and Oak Hills.
Witnesses Report Verbal Altercation
According to witnesses, a verbal altercation erupted between Coach Rob Alexander and referee Brandon Knapper. The argument arose from a discrepancy in the referee’s officiating.
Referee’s Officiating called into Question
The incident shed light on concerns regarding Knapper’s officiating. The coach’s dissatisfaction with the calls made by the referee ultimately led to the altercation.
Verbal Altercation between Referee and Coach
Coach Upset with Referee’s Officiating
Coach Rob Alexander became increasingly upset with the referee’s officiating during the game. His frustrations reached a boiling point, leading to a heated argument between him and referee Brandon Knapper.
Argument Breaks Out between Coach and Referee
The disagreement quickly escalated into a full-blown argument. The heated exchange of words between the coach and the referee set the stage for the unfortunate event that followed.
Referee Punches Coach
Referee Approaches Coach Near Bench
After the verbal altercation, referee Brandon Knapper approached Coach Rob Alexander near the Oak Hills’ bench. The motive behind Knapper’s actions is still unclear.
Referee Throws Punches at Coach
Without warning, Knapper began throwing punches at the coach. The assault caused Alexander to fall to the floor, further intensifying the situation.
Coach Suffers Injuries
The punches delivered by Knapper resulted in injuries to Coach Alexander. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed, but they were severe enough to require medical attention at the hospital.
Players and Others Intervene
Witnesses reported that players and other individuals at the game intervened to stop the altercation. Their presence helped prevent further harm to the coach and restore order to the situation.
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Coach Taken to Hospital
Coach’s Injuries Require Medical Attention
Following the assault, Coach Rob Alexander was promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The specific details regarding his injuries have not been disclosed.
Details of Coach’s Condition
At the time of this report, no information about the coach’s condition has been released. However, the statement from the school district mentioned that he is in good spirits and eager to return to coaching and teaching.
Referee Turns Himself In
Referee Surrenders to Authorities
Recognizing the severity of his actions, referee Brandon Knapper voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities. His decision to take responsibility for his actions showcases a sense of accountability.
Details of Referee’s Background
Reports indicate that Knapper, 26 years old, is a former college basketball player at West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Cal State San Bernardino. It is unclear whether any previous incidents or disciplinary actions relate to his background as a referee.
Referee’s Motivation for Turning Himself In
The motivation behind Knapper’s decision to turn himself in remains unclear. However, his actions demonstrate an acknowledgement of the gravity of the situation and a willingness to face the consequences.
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Charges Filed Against Referee
Nature of the Charges
Brandon Knapper, the referee involved in the assault, is facing felony charges. The charges filed against him are battery causing serious bodily injury and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.
Felony Charges Against Referee
The seriousness of the assault has resulted in the filing of felony charges against Knapper. If convicted, he could face significant legal consequences.
Referee’s Legal Consequences
The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the specific consequences Knapper will face for his actions. The charges filed against him carry severe penalties, including potential imprisonment.
Referee Booked in Jail
Referee Taken to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department jail
Upon turning himself in, Brandon Knapper was booked in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department jail. The jail is responsible for processing and temporarily holding individuals awaiting court appearances.
Bail Set for Referee
Following his booking, bail was set for Knapper at $25,000. Bail is a sum of money that a defendant pays to secure their release from custody while awaiting trial.
Referee Released from Jail
After posting bail, Knapper was released from jail on Wednesday. The specifics of his release conditions or any restrictions imposed upon him were not disclosed.
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Statement from School District
School District Condemns Referee’s Actions
In response to the incident, the Hesperia Unified School District, to which Oak Hills High School belongs, released a statement condemning the actions of referee Brandon Knapper. The district expressed their strong disapproval of his “senseless and shameful” behavior.
Appreciation for Swift and Decisive Action
The school district also acknowledged the swift and decisive action taken by event promoters and local law enforcement. Their prompt response helped ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Coach’s Recovery and Return
The statement from the school district also mentioned that Coach Rob Alexander is in good spirits and looking forward to returning to coaching and teaching as soon as possible. The district expressed its support for his recovery.
Investigation and Handling of Incident
Thorough Investigation Ensured
Following the incident, a thorough investigation is underway. The school district, along with law enforcement and CIF, will collaborate to gather all necessary information. They aim to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and handled appropriately.
Referee’s Court Date
The court date for Brandon Knapper has been scheduled for November 3rd. The court proceedings will determine the legal consequences he will face for his actions. The outcome of the court hearing will be crucial in determining justice for the victim and accountability for the referee.
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