MUSKEGON, MI – An assault charge will be issued against a basketball referee who had physical contact with a high school coach during a game in West Michigan Friday.
A warrant charging William Ripple with assault and battery will be authorized Wednesday, March 24, Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson told MLive Tuesday. It’s alleged he assaulted Keith Guy, varsity boys basketball coach for Muskegon High School, during a game on March 19.
The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
The prosecutor’s office made the decision after reviewing a Muskegon Police report on the incident that it received on Monday, March 22, said Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat.
The review included witness statements, a statement from the victim and photographic and videotaped evidence, Maat told MLive. He declined to say if Ripple provided a statement.
“In essence, that’s how the facts presented themselves,” Hilson said. “There really wasn’t anything else to consider.”
The prosecutor said he also talked to Guy about “the direction” of the case.
“I’ve had an extensive opportunity to talk with Coach Guy on this matter, and he and I have agreed upon a direction that we want to see the case go,” Hilson said. “And step one is the issuing of these charges.”
Ripple will have the opportunity to turn himself in on the assault charge. He did not return a message from MLive seeking comment about the incident.
The incident occurred with 1:03 remaining in a two-point game at Muskegon High. Zeeland East ended up winning 59-52 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 push Guy away before he headed toward the scorer’s table.
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.
Ripple was suspended for the rest of the season, according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
“It is an incident that shouldn’t have happened, especially during a high school basketball game in front of young men and women,” Hilson told MLive. “These charges reflect how important it is for those in authority to treat others with respect and dignity and in recognition of the rights of others.”
Guy told MLive after the game 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.
“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.”
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