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MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon County prosecutor is reviewing possible charges against an official who had physical contact with a high school boys basketball coach Friday.
Police have completed their investigation of the incident that occurred late in the game at Muskegon High School on March 19. The investigative report was turned over to the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office late Monday, March 22, said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat.
The referee, William Ripple, was suspended for the remainder of the season following the contact with Keith Guy, the varsity basketball coach for the Muskegon Big Reds, according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
Related: Official suspended, police called by Michigan basketball coach after exchange turns physical
The incident occurred with 1:03 remaining in a two-point game, which turned into a 59-52 OK Green Conference victory for Zeeland East over Muskegon.
In what appeared to start as a verbal exchange between Guy and Ripple, the official grabbed Guy’s wrists. Ripple then put both hands on Guy’s chest and appeared to pushed Guy away before he headed toward the scorer’s table.
The brief encounter was captured on video.
“We’re going to make sure the investigation is completely thorough,” Maat said. “We’ll be looking at all our options.”
Any decision will be made “in close consultation with the victim,” Maat said.
The report by police did not make any recommendations on whether to pursue charges, he said.
OK Conference commissioner Dave Feenstra condemned Ripple’s actions, saying that physical contact “cannot happen” and “should not happen” between officials and coaches.
“Clearly, there was a contact that was made,” Feenstra said. “And, I don’t have all the information, (but) that cannot happen. I mean, that should not happen.”
During an interview with media following Friday’s game, Guy appeared visibly shaken and emotional and said, “I’m always looked at as the bad guy.”
“I couldn’t get away with that,” Guy said. “I don’t teach my team to do that and there was no reason for him to put his hands on me and push me. Just because you’re an official don’t give you the right to lay your hands on a grown man or anybody. I’m upset right now because I’m sorry for my kids. I’m sorry they had to see that.”
Guy told MLive that he felt he was being unfairly treated by Ripple throughout the game. He said he expressed his concern to Ripple and said, “That is not right, man. My kids work hard just like everybody else and they deserve to be treated like everybody else.”
According to Guy, Ripple responded with, “Don’t go there,” and pushed him.
MLive has been unable to contact Ripple for comment.
Feenstra said the West Michigan Officials Association “will continue to work on” training officials to keep emotions under control during games.
“Officials are taught to remain professional and have their conduct and their demeanor always promoting the spirit of good competition,” he said.
Also on MLive:
No. 1 team determined in final Muskegon-area boys basketball power rankings of ’20-21
Girls district basketball scores, updated schedules for Muskegon area (March 22)
Michigan lists 202 new coronavirus outbreaks, 563 ongoing clusters in March 22 report
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