DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The Dunbar football player facing
charges after head-butting a referee during a game could now be tried as an
adult.
A motion has been filed to transfer the 17-year-old’s case to adult court.
READ MORE: Dunbar football player charged after incident with official
On Saturday, August 31, the Dunbar Wolverines were playing a
home game against the Roger Bacon Spartans at Welcome Stadium.
Roughly five minutes into the second quarter, Dunbar received
its twelfth penalty, which was called against the teen.
He was told be the referee to leave the field for the next
play.
The player then proceeded to head-butt the referee while his helmet was on. He also approached another official in a threatening manner, but teammates, coaches, and other officials escorted him off the field.
The referee suffered a concussion and has reported lingering
health issues stemming from the incident.
The player is charged with one count of felonious assault causing serious physical harm.
READ MORE: State legislation aims to protect referees after Dunbar player headbutts official
A motion was filed for the teen to be tried as an adult due
to the serious nature of the referee’s injuries and the player’s age.
“This incident was sickening,” said Prosecutor Heck. “The defendant clearly became angry with the game official and seriously assaulted him. This is way beyond unsportsmanlike conduct – this was a felonious assault and this defendant should be held accountable. Football is a contact sport, but a referee should never be in fear of being physically attacked by a player.”
Grab the FREE WDTN News App from the Apple Store or Google play. Stay up to date with all the local news, weather and sports as well as live newscasts and events as they happen.
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news, weather and sports.