During a high school basketball game at Santiago High School in Corona, California, a violent brawl erupted when referee Brandon Knapper punched Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander following a verbal altercation over Knapper's officiating. Witnesses reported that the incident occurred during a fall league contest between Arlington and Oak Hills. In a video clip of the incident, Knapper, a 26-year-old former college basketball player, approached Alexander near Oak Hills' bench and struck him in the face.
Knapper continued to punch Alexander as he fell to the ground before others intervened. Police responded to the scene, and Alexander was taken to the hospital. Knapper was charged with battery causing serious bodily injury and assault likely to produce great bodily injury, both felonies. Oak Hills' Hesperia Unified School District condemned Knapper's actions, calling them "senseless and shameful."
Knapper was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on November 3.
