New details emerged during assault on Michigan HS referee
An investigation has taken place following a high school boys’ basketball game in Michigan where a referee was injured.
Initial reports suggested spectators threw objects at the referee at the conclusion of the game, knocking the referee to the floor and needing a police escort off the gym floor. However, new information, according to local police, suggests the perpetrators may have been coaches from one of the Michigan teams.
A recent article from MSN.com detailed the events that took place in Michigan last week. Below is an excerpt from the MSN.com article.
WSBT 22 has learned new information about an assault on a referee.
The official had objects thrown at him just as the game between Benton Harbor and Buchanan High Schools was coming to an end.
However, new findings from law enforcement paint a different picture.
The incident happened after a district tournament game between Benton Harbor and Buchanan High Schools in Dowagiac Wednesday night.
The game ended with Buchanan winning, 39-36, but instead of the focus being on the competition, the attention quickly shifted to what happened after the final buzzer.
Chaos erupted as objects were thrown onto the court, striking a referee.
Initially, Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Butts released a statement largely placing the blame on fans, saying student-athletes had shown “outstanding sportsmanship and composure.”
You can read their responses here.
But on Friday, police shared new details, stating that a Benton Harbor basketball coach and players were among those who threw objects at the official.
In light of this new information, there are now many questions about the district’s initial response, including whether school officials have spoken to the coach and players identified by police, and if disciplinary action will be taken.
Butts says his initial remarks were based on an early report from another superintendent who was present at the game who described the Benton Harbor boys basketball team’s conduct as commendable.
He went on to say that the Dowagiac Police Department has not contacted his office with any updates as well.
“Benton Harbor Area Schools takes all allegations of student and adult misconduct seriously and will adhere to district protocol in addressing each situation. Please be assured that the district maintains high standards of professional ethics and conduct. Once we have completed our fact-finding investigation and received verified information from our collaborative efforts with the other school districts involved, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with established policies for both staff and students,” said Butts.
The district is promising a full investigation, and Dowagiac Police are still working on their own.
To read the full report from MSN.com, click here.
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