Caught on tape: Basketball player bodyslams referee
By theGrio
12:31 PM on 12/15/2010
A high school basketball player could face criminal charges after throwing a referee to the ground. The incident occurred during a game between Florida's Port Charlotte and DeSoto high schools.
"This is very disappointing. It's unacceptable," said DeSoto school superintendent Adrian Cline. "I've been a superintendent for a number of years and a principal for years before that and this is the first time I've been confronted with a student attacking an official."
In video posted on YouTube it appears DeSoto player Mason Holland got mad after a call. Things escalated and the referee ejected him from the game. That's when Holland charged the referee, slamming him to the court.
"It reflects in a negative way - on the school, the school district, the country and that's why we take it extremely seriously," Cline said.
School board officials say Holland has been suspended from school and he could face criminal charges. The Florida High School Athletic Association say they plan on administering their own punishment.
The FHSAA says they can't say what their punishment for Holland will be because they're still investigating. Cline says this student's athletic future is uncertain.
"The school district has always displayed good sportsmanship and we were very disappointed and intend to take appropriate action," he said.
Cline says he's spoken with the State Attorney's Office and will find out in the coming days if Holland could face criminal charges. He added that the district will review its policies to see what changes need to be made to prevent this from happening again.
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Thursday, December 16th 2010 at 10:14AM
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