MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Former West Virginia basketball player Brandon Knapper was charged with two felonies – battery causing serious bodily injury and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injuries – over the the weekend. Knapper, 26, played for the Mountaineers from 2018-2020, was a referee during a high school basketball game between Arlington and Oak Hills at Santiago High School in Corona, California. During the game, Knapper got into a verbal altercation that escalated when he punched Oak Hills head coach Rob Alexander, which led to a violent brawl.
Alexander was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries, while Knapper was booked in jail and eventually released on a $25,000 bail. The school district released a statement, calling Knapper’s actions “senseless and shameful.” “The District is thankful for the swift and decisive action taken by the event promoters and local law enforcement. We are also happy to report that Coach Alexander is in good spirits and looking forward to returning to coaching and teaching as soon as possible.”
Knapper is due in court on November 3rd.
H.S. Basketball Referee Punches Coach After Verbal Altercation, Arrested https://t.co/RinHoQNGiY
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) October 27, 2023
