What should have been a hard-fought playoff showdown in Los Angeles ended in total chaos when a player from the losing team allegedly charged at a referee and threw punches after the final buzzer.
Downtown Magnets defeated Dorsey High School 59-54 in the first round of the CIF Los Angeles City Section Division II boys basketball playoffs. But instead of celebrating a competitive game, the night took a shocking turn.
Shortly after the buzzer sounded, a Dorsey senior walked across the court directly toward one of the officials. Witnesses say he appeared furious.
According to reports and video from the scene, the player bumped into the referee while yelling at him. He then made contact again, at which point the official fell backward. While the referee was on the ground, the player continued shouting.
Several adults and even one of the player’s teammates attempted to restrain him. For a moment, it seemed like the situation might calm down.
But then it escalated.
The player broke free and charged back toward the referee, throwing three punches. The official managed to duck the first swing and move away from the next two. Video appears to show the referee making one quick motion in response, seemingly in self-defense, before backing away.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
The senior’s high school basketball career is now effectively over. Under CIF bylaw 210, any student who physically assaults a game official is banned from interscholastic athletics for the remainder of their eligibility.
The Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed the incident is under investigation.
“The Los Angeles Unified School District expects its student-athletes to meet high standards of conduct and sportsmanship,” the district said in a statement. “We have been made aware of an alleged incident after last night’s game at Dorsey High School. The matter is under review by the CIF LA City Section and us, and will be addressed in accordance with policy.”
Because the incident involves a student, officials said privacy laws limit what they can share.
The confrontation may have stemmed from a foul call earlier in the game. With about four minutes left, the same Dorsey player was called for a foul by the referee he later confronted. He was substituted out and reportedly received a technical foul while exiting the court.
He did not return to the game.
Downtown Magnets, a magnet high school located near Downtown Los Angeles, advances to the quarterfinals after the win. Patrick Lei led the Suns with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while 16 offensive rebounds proved crucial in the five-point victory.
Dorsey High School’s season, however, ended not just in defeat — but in controversy that’s now under official review.
Real Deal Team
Expel the dumb ass! Charge him with the assault!
America doesn’t have a gun violence problem. America has a bbllaacckk violence problem.