Police have identified players and a coach from Benton Harbor (Mich.) High School who threw objects that hit a referee after a boys' basketball playoff game in Dowagiac last Wednesday night.
According to WNDU, the incident happened immediately after Benton Harbor lost to Buchanan in the district semifinals by a final score of 39-36. Benton Harbor was reportedly called for 22 fouls in the game, while Buchanan was only called for eight.
Video of the incident that was posted online shows the game ending and the referee walking across the court to the scorer's table. The referee is then hit in the had by multiple thrown objects, including a basketball and a water bottle. Police then escorted the referee out of the gymnasium.
Dowagiac police say charges are being sought, and they are still attempting to identify other individuals that engaged in the assault of the referee. Police said more than three people, including Benton Harbor student-athletes, staff and parents, were involved.
"Based on an initial report from another superintendent present at the Dowagiac Union Schools game, our boys' basketball team’s conduct was described as commendable," Benton Harbor superintendent Kelvin Butts wrote in a statement posted online. "Please be assured that the district maintains high standards of professional ethics and conduct. Once our fact-finding investigation is complete and we have received verified information through collaboration with the other school districts involved, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with established policies for both staff and students."
Officials are still awaiting a full report from the referees that worked the game.
