Official Attacked

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Wow. Talk about a temper tantrum. Hopefully the official wasn't injured.

If you all don't mind, let's dissect this a bit as there is a lot going on. First there is at least a common or possibly intentional foul. Then the calling official assesses what appears to be a flagrant technical on the player. After that we have at least two more flagrant technicals on the same player.

My thoughts are we assess all fouls against the player without any indirects to the head coach and the other team is shooting at least 6 shots with the lane cleared.

What I'm wondering is if you all would consider ending the game at this point as this crew did?

It also gets me to thinking as to what I would do in this official's situation. I think he was clearly surprised but I'm not so sure I would just stand there either. Hard to say from the comfort of my computer screen.

First of all, I have no idea how I'd react in that situation.

Second, I noticed that between the foul and free throws that preceded the incident that the non-calling officials didn't seem to be watching the players. That seems like a mistake, though perhaps an inconsequential one. OTOH, it may also be an indication that there wasn't anything obvious "brewing" and that what happened really came out of the blue.

[Larks]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

First of all, I have no idea how I'd react in that situation.

Totally agree with that. You don't know until you live it.

[Texas Aggie]

In this situation, you should SUSPEND the game and let the powers that be decide on a forfeit. A suspension is 100% reasonable -- for many reasons -- but a forfeit can be second guessed. I'm not saying you run away from tough situations, but when there's an easy, reasonable solution that accomplishes the same thing, do it.

There's no way we are continuing this game if I'm on that crew.

[Adam]

To me, "suspend" vs. "forfeit" is semantics. Either way, the league/state can decide to continue the game. Either way, the league/state can decide to let it stand as is.

[chseagle]

A better idea, lifetime ban from athletics (no college playing, no chance of going pro) He's more suited to be picking up garbage along the freeway.

[APG]

Originally Posted by chseagle

A better idea, lifetime ban from athletics (no college playing, no chance of going pro) He's more suited to be picking up garbage along the freeway.

I might go for a ban at the high school level. A ban at the college and professional level (no matter how small those chances may be) is both unrealistic and excessive punishment.

[RobbyinTN]

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer

I might go for a ban at the high school level. A ban at the college and professional level (no matter how small those chances may be) is both unrealistic and excessive punishment.

I would hope that no college would even consider bringing him into their program - I would hope he would be shunned by the college basketball world.

OTOH, I believe in forgiveness and second chances so maybe if he gets into some kind of anger management program and proves that he is rehabilitated, I might reconsider

[APG]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

I would hope that no college would even consider bringing him into their program - I would hope he would be shunned by the college basketball world.

I won't go that far. Was this a descipable act? Yes, and he should be punished to the full extent of the law. But after that, if some program wants to take a chance on him for some reason, I'm not going to be shouting for banishment from college ball.

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

To me, "suspend" vs. "forfeit" is semantics. Either way, the league/state can decide to continue the game. Either way, the league/state can decide to let it stand as is.

We are actually told every year that as game officials we can not "forfeit" a game and should never use that term. We can only "suspend" a game and the VHSL will decide what to do after that. Semnatics? Could be, but it is clarified for us on a yearly basis.

I would like to bring out the point that I thought this official did a good job getting the first foul, prior to the kerfluffle. Great job not ball watching and staying in his area.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Judtech

We are actually told every year that as game officials we can not "forfeit" a game and should never use that term. We can only "suspend" a game and the VHSL will decide what to do after that.

By NFHS rule, of course, this is not true. The referee is given explicit authority to forfeit a game if circumstances warrant it. State athletic associations may modify that, but for any newbies reading this thread, you do have the authority to forfeit the game, by rule.

[APG]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

In this situation, you should SUSPEND the game and let the powers that be decide on a forfeit. A suspension is 100% reasonable -- for many reasons -- but a forfeit can be second guessed. I'm not saying you run away from tough situations, but when there's an easy, reasonable solution that accomplishes the same thing, do it.

I'd be more inclined to go this route if I or my partner(s) decided not to continue with the game.

[Adam]

Or he could go play for Tim Floyd.

[chseagle]

Has there been any media follow-ups to this incident?

In the video it did show the player being "escorted" by a LEO.

[Toadman15241]

Originally Posted by chseagle

Has there been any media follow-ups to this incident?

In the video it did show the player being "escorted" by a LEO.

The last I saw he was kicked off the team, is facing expulsion from school, and is going to be meeting a judge soon.

[BktBallRef]

I'm probably not going to take a swing at the kid. But I'm also not going to let him body slam me to the floor either.

As for how many technicals to call, I couldn't care less because I'm forfeiting the game.