Quote:
Originally posted by Indy_Ref
everyone reads "the rest of the story" straight from the Helena Paper:
"Prosecutor considering charges over fight"
By CAROLYNN BRIGHT - IR Staff Writer - 03/23/04
It wasn't all fun and games at last weekend's 13th annual Swish tournament - but sometimes that's what happens when grownups get involved.
City Prosecutor Bob Wood is evaluating whether to file criminal charges against a tournament referee and a scorekeeper who allegedly broke into a fistfight as a result of a dispute over the officiating of one of the youth basketball games.
Wood said he likely will make a decision today, once he has an opportunity to review written statements from the alleged participants in the fracas.
According to Helena Police Chief Troy McGee, officers were called to the YMCA gymnasium at about 5 p.m. Saturday after tournament spectators reported a fight.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the referee, bleeding from a cut near his right eye.
McGee said the referee told officers that several of the spectators disagreed, loudly, with several calls he made during one of the games.
At the end of the game, he made his way to the score table to wrap up some necessary paperwork, and the scorekeeper seated there allegedly voiced his own concerns with the referee's officiating.
According to McGee, the referee said he was afraid the scorekeeper was going to assault him, so he took the pre-emptive measure of shoving the scorekeeper.
The scorekeeper allegedly responded by punching the referee.
Ninety-four teams from across the state, comprised of fifth- through eighth-graders, participated in the event.
We ought to learn a lesson here. Do NOT be the one to start anything! If someone complains about our refereeing, WALK AWAY! If this official walks away, I bet nothing happens!
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From the article by Jay Scott: "one of our Helena basketball officials had his face bloodied and bruised and was beaten to incoherence after a 7th-grade game at a local gym last month. You don't want to see the pictures"
From article by Carolynn Bright: "The scorekeeper allegedly responded by punching the referee".
Allegedly punched the referee vs. beaten to incoherence Huh? Walk away, yes.....but never turn your back on a fan.