Referee incident in Texas leads to investigations

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on September 12, 2015 11:33 PM

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bdavis@newsargus.com

Football officials don't wear helmets or pads.

But should they?

Two Texas high school football players blindsided a referee last Friday night and the video quickly went viral. One player smashed into referee Robert Watts from behind and knocked him to the ground. His teammate intentionally dove into the referee and used his helmet as a weapon.

Watts recovered, but the question is could the incident have been prevented?

"Sometimes things just explode on you -- all of a sudden," said Jerry Johnson, who recently retired from officiating, but continues to evaluate referees. "You don't see it coming."

The 40-year official of high school and college football, basketball and baseball games believes referees must be aware of tension from players. He said not all incidents of unnecessary violence are preventable.

Some officials, if things become too intense, will gather the teams together into a huddle and urge them to temper the physical play. They'll also issue a warning that any type of retaliation or intentional tackle/foul could lead to immediate ejection.

Johnson said the best solution is to speak with the coach.

Coaches are considered leaders, mentors and role models to their athletes. However, there are countless videos on YouTube where you see coaches yelling at referees. One clip showed a coach punching an official.

"Players are going to see how coaches treat referees," said Goldsboro High football coach Bennett Johnson.

Johnson described the incident in Texas as unfortunate. He said he believes the responsibility to prevent violence falls on coaches, not referees -- who often get caught in middle of tense situations, especially if its a rivalry or there appears to be a player with anger issues either on the football field or basketball court.

A controversial call can trigger a player's emotions. That seemed to be the case when John Jay had two players ejected earlier from the game -- a 15-9 loss to Marble Falls.

According the Associated Press, the two players who attacked Watts allege that he used racial slurs. Watts denied the allegation.

Since the incident, the Northside Independent School District moved the two players to an alternative school as the investigation continues. The Marble Falls police and the University Interscholastic League, which oversees Texas high school sports, are conducting separate investigations.

The two players who attacked the referee could face felony charges. The player who used his helmet as a weapon could draw additional charges of assault and intent to assault with a deadly weapon.

In 2014, a soccer player punched a referee because he made a ball call. The referee died. Preventative methods might have helped the soccer official, but they can be the last thing on a referee's mind in a game.

"Some coaches don't want referees talking to players. (We) try to be preventative and communicate with coaches and players," said Mark Dreibilbis, who is supervisor of officials for the N.C. High School Athletic Association. "The role model is the coach."

Johnson thinks the punishment should fit the crime.

"I think it should be more than suspension. Here in North Carolina, it can be (as) far as a felony," said Johnson, who said he believes the Texas assault will be considered a felony.

One day, officiating crews might be forced to wear protective gear. But until then, referees and umpires will depend upon coaches to control their players.