Youth Basketball Players Brutally Attack Referee After Game

The nationwide wave of violent attacks on officials at youth sporting events has caused a great deal of concern. Adults and kids alike have been popping up in the headlines for their unsportsmanlike conduct. Some referees have even been seriously injured in attacks.

The latest came at a youth basketball game in Georgia over the weekend. The game took place at Stronghold Christian Church in Lithonia, GA. Immediately after the game ended, several players from one of the teams attacked a referee.

The violent assault was captured on camera. TMZ reports that the referee initially was able to hold off the attack. As the mob grew, the ref was taken to the floor and beaten severely.

Players kicked and punched the official in the face repeatedly. Eventually, the attack was halted. There is no word on whether the referee was injured.

A spokesperson for the Dekalb County Police Department noted that police did respond to the scene. An investigation is currently underway. It is unclear what charges, if any, will be brought against the young athletes.

A spokesperson for the church called the incident unfortunate. Time will tell how involved the legal system will get after the attack. Hopefully, this long string of referee assaults comes to an end soon. There is no place for such behavior in youth sports.

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