Benton Harbor assistant basketball coach fired after objects thrown at referee
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WNDU) - Benton Harbor Area Schools says it has fired an assistant high school boys basketball coach after it was determined that the coach was involved in a postgame incident last week where a referee was hit by multiple thrown objects.
“We have confirmed that an assistant basketball coach was involved in the postgame incident with an official,” said Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Butts in a news release. “Immediate action has been taken, and that individual is no longer associated with or employed by the district in any capacity.”
The incident happened immediately after Benton Harbor lost to Buchanan last Wednesday in a district semifinal playoff game at Dowagiac Union High School by a final score of 39-36. Benton Harbor was called for 22 fouls in the game while Buchanan was only called for eight.
Video sent to WNDU 16 News Now shows someone throwing a basketball at one of the referee’s heads. Seconds later, that same referee was hit with what appears to be cups or bottles of water.
The video shows the referee falling, then being helped up by police officers who would eventually escort him off the court and into the locker room. According to police, the referee was also hit by a notebook in the hallway as he tried to leave the building.
Dowagiac police say charges are being sought and they are still attempting to identify other individuals that engaged in the assault of the referee (including the individuals pictured below). They tell WNDU 16 News Now more than three people were involved. We’re told there was no foul play on the Buchanan side.
Dr. Butts says a student was also involved in the incident, but the district cannot provide specific details on their involvement due to FERPA regulations.
Dr. Butts adds that the district is also in talks with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to not only address the events of February 26th but, more importantly, to implement comprehensive measures that prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
One day after the incident, Benton Harbor school officials suggested the fans in the crowd were to blame for the incident. However, Dr. Butts released an updated statement the following day saying he was initially told by another superintendent present at the game that the boys basketball team’s conduct was “commendable.”
An MHSAA spokesperson tells WNDU 16 News Now game officials file a report on what happened anytime there’s a situation like this. At last check, officials are still waiting on the official’s report to come in.
Full statement from Dr. Kelvin Butts:
You can watch the full video of the incident below:
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