H.S. Basketball Referee Punches Coach After Verbal Altercation, Arrested

A highschool basketball sport changed into a violent brawl over the weekend … when a referee straight-up punched a coach following a verbal altercation — leading to his arrest.

TMZ Sports activities is advised … the incident went down throughout a fall league contest between Arlington and Oak Hills at Santiago Excessive College in Corona, California on Saturday, Oct. 21.

In some unspecified time in the future within the second half, witnesses declare Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander bought upset with referee Brandon Knapper over his officiating … and an argument ensued.

In a clip we obtained of the sport, 26-year-old Knapper — a former school basketball participant at West Virginia, Japanese Kentucky and Cal State San Bernardino — will be seen approaching Alexander close to Oak Hills’ bench and briefly speaking to him … earlier than unleashing his fist on the coach’s face.

Knapper appeared to land extra punches on Alexander as he fell to the court docket … earlier than gamers and others in attendance bought concerned.

We’re advised cops responded to the scene … and Alexander was taken to the hospital. The sport didn’t proceed.

Regulation enforcement tells us Alexander requested prosecution towards Knapper, who turned himself in and was charged with battery inflicting critical bodily harm and assault by means prone to produce nice bodily harm — each felonies.

Knapper was booked within the Riverside County Sheriff’s Division jail on Sunday … and his bail was set at $25,000. He was launched on Wednesday.

Oak Hills’ Hesperia Unified College District launched a press release to TMZ Sports activities … condemning Knapper’s “senseless and shameful” actions.

“The District is thankful for the swift and decisive action taken by the event promoters and local law enforcement. 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.”