A high school basketball referee was arrested after punching a coach during a game in Corona, Calif., on Oct. 21, according to TMZ.
Brandon Knapper, a 26-year-old former college basketball player, was officiating the fall league game between Arlington and Oak Hills when he punched Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander in the face, knocking him to the ground, as seen in a video obtained by the outlet.
Alexander was later hospitalized and Knapper was arrested.
The incident reportedly took place in the second half when Alexander got upset over Knapper’s officiating, according to witnesses, who told the outlet the two began arguing.
The referee can be seen in the video walking over to Alexander, who was standing on the sidelines with his hands on his hips.
Knapper appeared to land more punches while Alexander was on the ground.
That’s when players and fans intervened.
Knapper was eventually forced away from the melee, while multiple people tended to Alexander before the video cut off.
Police arrived at the scene and the game did not resume, according to TMZ.
Knapper turned himself in at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department jail Sunday, and was charged with battery causing serious bodily injury and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury.
His bail was set at $25,000.
Knapper, who previously played college basketball at West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Cal State San Bernardino, was released Wednesday.
Police told TMZ that Alexander requested prosecution against Knapper.
Oak Hills’ Hesperia Unified School District said in a statement to TMZ that Alexander is looking forward to returning to his coaching and teaching as soon as possible.
“The District is thankful for the swift and decisive action taken by the event promoters and local law enforcement,” the statement read.
“We are also happy to report that Coach Alexander is in good spirits and looking forward to returning to coaching and teaching as soon as possible.
“We have the utmost confidence that law enforcement, CIF, and Oak Hills High School, with the support of the District, will investigate the incident thoroughly and handle it appropriately.”
Knapper’s court date is set for Nov. 3.