Player facing criminal charge in ‘vicious attack’ on referee during basketball game in Cohasset

A high school basketball player is facing a criminal charge after he punched a referee during a game in Cohasset.

Cohasset Police Chief William Quigley said that the 16-year-old player from South Boston will be charged with assault and battery for a show cause hearing in Quincy juvenile court.

Sullivan said the student punched the ref in the face.

Dan is a well-known photographer.

The South Boston player came over to the baseline and I assumed to take the ball out. He gave a full nelson to the official after launching at him. The ref was bent over and couldn't defend himself when he was brought down.

The player who was called for traveling may have thought it was a foul on him.

There is a lot of anger built in that way. It wasn't like he bumped him or anything like that. It was a shame that he went at him.

There was an incident at the gym and the game was stopped. There were no Cohasset players involved.

"Cohasset Public Schools does not condone violence of any kind, and we advocate for good sportsmanship during all games and contests."

The student in question could be disciplined according to the Boston Public Schools code of conduct according to the head of the high school.

John said that a member of the basketball team engaged in a physical altercation with the ref. The school staff and Cohasset police responded to the scene. Disciplinary action could be taken against the student.

There is a chance for law enforcement to take further action.

It's a terrible example of sports going bad, they were losing 32-8 at the time, Boston was frustrated so much he couldn't justify his action.

Boston 25 News tried to get in touch with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, but did not hear back.

The incident is under investigation, according to the police chief.

The president of the Massachusetts State Basketball Officials Association says they are angry and frustrated but not shocked.

The shortage of officials in our state and nationwide has been documented. There are many reasons for the crisis, but the treatment of officials by fans, coaches and players is the worst. The majority of stakeholders in high school sports don't fall into that category. We call on the local authorities, Boston Public Schools and the MIAA to take swift action that includes appropriate punishment for whoever is responsible for this dangerous attack. It's not up to us to determine what those sanctions look like, but we're positive that they must be proportional to the violence of the act. That is not right and needs to be fixed.

There is still an investigation going on.

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