Ahead of referee Brandon Knapper appearance in the court on 3rd November for the judgement of charges filed against him, we examine the incident that saw him punch Oak Hills High School coach Rob Alexander in the face in a viral video
Following an incident in a high-school basketball game on Saturday, NABC star player Brandon Knapper was arrested after allegedly striking a coach in the face. In the second half of the game between Arlington and Oak Hills, a dispute between Knapper and Oak Hills’ coach, Rob Alexander, regarding Knapper’s officiating led to the reported physical altercation.
Basketball referee Brandon Knapper punches Oak Hills High School coach Rob Alexander, fight video goes viral
What circumstances resulted in Brandon Knapper punching Rob Alexander?
A heated altercation broke out during a high school basketball game over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of a referee accused of physically assaulting a coach following a heated exchange of words. The incident occurred during a fall league match between Arlington and Oak Hills at Santiago High School in Corona, California on October 21. Witnesses claim that the confrontation unfolded in the second half when Oak Hills’ head coach, Rob Alexander, expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating by referee Brandon Knapper, leading to an escalation of the disagreement.
Video evidence shows 26-year-old Knapper, a former college basketball player at West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Cal State San Bernardino, approaching Coach Alexander near Oak Hills’ bench and briefly conversing with him before striking the coach in the face. Knapper appeared to continue his physical altercation with Alexander as he fell to the ground, involving players and other individuals present.
What consequences Brandon Knapper will face for his violent outburst?
Law enforcement promptly responded to the scene, and Alexander was subsequently transported to the hospital. The basketball game did not resume, and Alexander decided to take legal action against Knapper, who willingly surrendered to authorities. Knapper is now facing charges of battery causing serious bodily injury and assault likely to result in severe bodily injury, both of which are categorized as felonies.
Knapper was apprehended at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department detention facility on Sunday and had his bail set at $25,000. He was subsequently released on Wednesday. The district has shown confidence in the capabilities of law enforcement, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), and Oak Hills High School to conduct a thorough investigation and address the incident appropriately.
The Hesperia Unified School District, which represents Oak Hills, issued a statement condemning Knapper’s actions as both senseless and disgraceful. They also expressed their appreciation for the prompt response from event organizers and local law enforcement. Furthermore, they reported that Coach Alexander is in good spirits and eager to resume coaching and teaching as soon as possible.