High School Basketball Player Apologizes for Attacking Ref
- Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:40am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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The high school basketball player who body slammed a referee after being kicked out of a game has apologized for the incident. But despite the remorse, 18-year-old Mason Holland he could still face criminal charges:
From WINK:
“I worked at it harder than anything in my life and having it taken away from me is a hard feeling,” said Holland describing how he felt after he was kicked off the Desoto County High School basketball team.
During a game, Holland received a technical foul. Then he pushed another player. The referee kicked Holland out of the game. Holland reacted by “clotheslining” the referee taking the 51 year old man completely to the ground.
The video was posted to YouTube.
“When I saw it I thought wow that’s not me. It’s shocking,” said Holland describing seeing the video of his actions, “I didn’t know at the time on the court. I didn’t feel I knew what I was going to do. It just happened. I couldn’t control it.”
“You realize you could have really hurt this gentleman?” asked chief investigator Melissa Yeager.
“Right, right. Hopefully..I hope he’s ok. I think he just needed ice for his wrist but my intention was not to hurt him,” replied Holland, “I didn’t do it to impress nobody. It just happened…to me it was part of the game.”
Holland says he knows his game time decision hurt a lot of people.
“I feel like I let the team down and I let my coach down and the community down,” said Holland.
Holland also wants to apologize to the referee.
“What happened on the court wasn’t acceptable. Wasnt’ me and I just want to apologize to everyone,” said Holland.
Holland could also face criminal charges. The sheriff‘s department has turned the case over to the state attorney’s office for review.
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Comments (89)
TheBees
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:58amIf you look at the police records for the NBA players you’ll find most of them have are fathers of children with multiple girls, most have some type of police record, with a lot of those being felonies! It’s no wonder this gangsta wannabe thug did this, he’s already trying to get looked at by the pros! He’ll fit right in! I wonder what type of gang affiliation he has, I‘m sure if someone dug deep enough you’d find one! Once a thug always a thug!
Report Post »roadcouch98
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:53am” I feel like it being taken from me.” –
It’s not my fault. Why would ‘they’ do this to me ?
Personal Responsibility is shining through. * Sarcasm *
” It was just part of the game, to me. I felt it was just part of the game, the way I see it. ” –
Assault is NOT part of basketball. Being a thug at 18 years old is not how a young man accepts responsibility for his actions. Maybe charges pressed will open up Junior’s eyes to the real world.
Report Post »thirstybird
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:59amBelieving that assault is part of the game is simply bad coaching. They should probably stop using that footage of Ron Artest running into the stands to beat down the fans as an instructional video.
Report Post »macwedge
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:50amHe’s practicing begging for mercy before he goes to court. He’ll walk…count on it. Then the referee will be castigated and harangued for the rest of his career.
Report Post »moreteaplease
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:49amHis lawyer probably told him to make a public apology because that would carry some weight in court. I don’t believe for second that this guy is truly sorry for what he did. And that bit about “It just happened…to me it was part of the game.” DO WHAT??? Body slamming a ref is just part of the game to you? Oh that’s right, you play by the thug ball rule book.
Report Post »ilovetheusa1
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:40amsend the hood rat POS to jail now, it is where he is going to end up anyways.
BigBouy
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:31amThat’s not me??? Yes it is and it showed how you really are. At no time does he take responsibility. How much do you want to bet this is not the first time something like this has happened with him.
Report Post »oldsoldier10
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:26amMoron
Report Post »Saying you want to apologize and apologizing are two different things, and thank goodness your moronic angry self is not injuring anyone else on the courts. Hopefully you have been BANNED from the sport! TO APOLOGIZE YOU MUST SAY, “I AM SORRY! I BEHAVED POORLY, PLEASE FORGIVE MY TERRIBLE SPORTSMANSHIP BEHAVIOR!“ That is an apology not ”I want to apologize.”
hauschild
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:15amThe kid is all heart, ain’t he?
The fact of the matter remains that “normal” human beings do not operate in that capacity. If it happened once, it will happen again.
If it didn’t cost so damned much to house prisoners in this country, I’d say this kid belongs behind bars now. And, how ’bout we cut out all these cupcake prisons and go back to hard labor? Or, send ‘em all to the Middle East and turn ’em loose.
Report Post »Hugie 59 PA
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:09amSend him to anger management so he doesn’t scre up the rest of his life.
Report Post »SND97
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:09amSuspend the kid for the rest of the year, forget it, forgive it, learn from it and move on. The ref isn’t hurt, the kid is being punished and I wish him well, and hope he is man enough to change
Report Post »April
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:08amExcuses, excuses and he is only sorry because it is caught on camera going viral. If this kid had a chance for a do-over, he would do the same thing. A forced apology doesn’t negate the consequence.
Report Post »Rickfromillinois
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:08amAny hopes that he had about being recruited for college ball looks to be going down the drain and he is trying to come up with a way to get it back. Sadly another person who believes themselves destined for greatness and is shocked when other people don’t realize it and dont treat him accordingly.
Report Post »TexasCommonSense
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:07amHe sounded sincere. Face the consequences for your actions, apologize to the referee, and all is forgiven.
Report Post »cykonas
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:05amI’ve been remorseful 100% of the times I’ve gotten caught doing something stupid. It hasn’t, nor should it have, had any bearing on the punishment. It maybe be okay to impose an even stricter punishment on someone judged as not remorseful, but not to lessen the punishment just because you are.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:01amJust keep giving kids unearned trophys from the time they can toddle and this is what you get. By the time they get to junior high and high school they don’t have self-control because there have never been consequences for their behavior and ability on the field – they never had to earn a win or a championship. Basketball is a game of self-control for the five guys handling the ball even, in “street ball”, so I have to think this young man’s action was exactly what he wanted it to be. Maybe he didn’t expect the result of the ref hitting the floor but “what is the worst thing that could happen” definitely didn’t run through his mind.
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:00amGet used to it pal. The cards are played. You are a punk that got caught. this won’t be the last time your in front of a judge. Have fun in prison, later boy.
Report Post »Sandy
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:57amAre you serious? His actions were not part of the game. His emotions got wrapped up in the game. Also the sport was not ‘taken from him’. He LOST the right to play it. Understand the difference!!
Report Post »Life is full of choices. You make poor choices you deal with the consequences, you make honest good choices you are rewarded.
greggor
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:56amNo, Mason.. it WAS you.
Report Post »Whether or not you are sorry is really of no consequence. You fouled an opposing player, you got called for it, and you responded by acting like the thug that you probably are.
You should be prosecuted, fined, and be given community service for your crime.. and if the ref so decides, you should also be subject to civil prosecution.
Bottom line.. you should not be allowed on the court, or to participate in any school sport, for the remainder of the school year.
This was a serious crime which could have resulted in some serious injury, to someone who’s only “fault” was doing his job.
Man up.
Taquoshi
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:01amDitto!
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:49amAnyone buy this phoney apology? His “agent” was watching his fees float down the river and he jumped in to save them. That NBA career was looking iffy after this event.
Report Post »janddjohnson
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:49amHe didn’t really seem remorseful to me. I don’t think he cares.
Report Post »libertyordeath87
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:46amreplied Holland, “I didn’t do it to impress nobody. It just happened…to me it was part of the game.”
Is this kid serious? It was part of the game? How twisted is that logic? No a-hole, it was a temper tantrum. Maybe the result of being kicked off the team will teach you to think, control yourself, and realize that your actions in life carry consequences.
Report Post »Gun_Slinger
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:31amYes, part of the game. This isn’t Hockey. And he almost said what he was “glad” about… That the ref wasn’t pressing charges. Merry Chirstmas!
Report Post »BelowAverageJoe
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:26amWhat’s more…”Holland also wants to apologize to the referee.” As if harming the referee was the least of his horrific actions. This is a lame attempt to save his own ass and nothing else. I’m all for second chances, but they shouldn’t be guaranteed like the seem to be, especially with athletes who screw up. They know that they get a freebie. And the common excuse when these things happen is “…that wasn’t me.” Give me a break. I’m sick of it.
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:24pmHere is how this will work! If he is kicked off the team and the ref presses changes it will solidify what he already has been taught to believe, that the system is not fair (and its because he is black) and he was always told it was and people are so willing to give you a chance and another if you blow it. This is the culture unfortunately and it applys across the board but it does especially apply to minorities. Its is a tango for sure in that the other party has to either play along or be seen as being that group who really does want you to go down. Its a no win situation, Thus, it gets a pass. He will get a slap on the wrist for this, the ref WILL let it go because even though he was wronged, he will not further want to WRONG this young man for such a temporary state of mind or lack thereof. Once this tango is completed and it will be, he will come away not with the system is fair but that it can be manipulated because he is black and everybody no matter what wants to see him do well. I’ve been down this road in real life folks and I know exactly what I am talking about through hands on experience. I didn’t quite understand it then and at the moment but just did my best to get these folks back in the game, coach them, give them second chances but the rage was out of control and neither I nor anyone else could put a lid on it. Eventually the justice system had to be used.
Report Post »GeauxAlready
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:45amI’m Sorry. That should fix everything.
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:45amStill in denial, it was you, it’s still you. You’re never gonna be Kolbe. Learn who you are and control your frustrations. There’s plenty of room for the likes of you in prison.
Report Post »thirstybird
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:44amKobe…
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:59amThank you, Kobe it is.
If only Mr Duke didn’t shoot himself in the head at the FL school board, he could have looked at his YouTube video and said that’s not me. After all Mrs D said he was a “tender” and “gentle giant” who was only doing what was best for his family.
Report Post »forthepeople
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:41amPOVERTY.SUCKS: your are right ‘ Sorry’ does not get it and in this case means nothing . It all comes down to punishment fitting the crime, thats why there are so many repeat offenders !
Report Post »Conserving Ink
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:45amWe don’t teach self control anymore, only excuses. Let’s hope this is a true apology.
Report Post »_________________________________________________________________
http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com/2010/12/political-flocking.html
Cobra Blue
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:42amHey Conserving Ink…
Unless there are significant consequences applied to his actions this thug will not learn anything from the event except he can get away with it and he’ll do it again. Like a speeding ticket. We are not sorry we were speeding…we are sorry we got caught. Same applied to this young “thug in the making” unless he is punished severely.
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 11:36amWatching yourself on video (doing something really stupid) can give you a change of heart. I don’t think he should receive charges (it’s up to the ref) But no more sports. Hopefully he is sincere.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:44am“I worked at it harder than anything in my life and having it taken away from me is a hard feeling,”
Report Post »You took it away from yourself, genius.
guyperram
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:14amThe problm is that these kids all think they will be the next great pro! I’ve seen it (as a ref) in baseball and (as a coach) in football. The hardest thing to do is to get it through their heads that the odds stink of you ever even getting a look-see for the pros.
Report Post »Our values are screwed up! Used to be the “full ride” at college gave you a chance at a good education, so you might snag a good job. Now everyone thinks it is just the next step towards their pro career. Your odds of turning pro are only slightly better than winning the lotto.
TruthTalker
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:14amhe is a thug
Report Post »Cobra Blue
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:28amFine! Apology accepted. Now..no more sports at this institution as long as you are here. And the ref is bringing charges of assault against. See ya in court. Anything less will be a travesty and just plan wrong. You want to act like a thug you will then be treated like a thug. WORD UP! Life’s tough. There are consequences to your actions. Deal with it.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:35amThis guy is nothing more than the typical, brain dead thug we all used to hate in high school……Seeya buddy, and while you are gone, don’t drop the soap in the shower.
Report Post »oldoldtimer
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:27amHe should be banned from organized sports for life! You can take the ball player out of the ghetto but you can not take the ghetto out of the player.
untameable-kate
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:48amGONZO, I was going to copy that very same quote and say the same thing. That is a dangerous way for our youth to feel, that if you screw something up then it was “taken away” and not “I ruined it for myself”.
Report Post »WTFurnuts
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 11:19amAmen
Report Post »White Devil
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 11:41amAnother NON-Apology from a punk who kept talking about himself. He never said he was sorry. He was not contrite, that is obvious. Was that a white girlfriend and baby in the background? What was scary was him saying that he couldn’t control it. Great, what if he decides to beat up or kill another player. What will he say “that wasn’t me, I couldn’t control it”? Lock him up for assault.
Report Post »justin.blake
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:21pmIt was part of the game? Show me in the rulebook where refs are free game kid!! And the worst part….” It just happened. I couldn’t control it.” BULL! Man up dude! You could have controlled it, you just let your anger take control. It WAS your fault, YOU did it, now face the consequences. Anything less than an assault charge would be a travesty of justice. Welcome to the fruits of a generation of everyone’s a winner, and the widespread practice of blaming others for everything.
Report Post »Reagan/Demint.deciple
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:35pmNo, you are right Mason, It’s you mother and your no show father that raised you fault…
Report Post »adamfreedom
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:54pmIf he had never been video recorded and not punished, he wouldn’t apologize and he would brag to everyone that he is a bad*ss. He gets what he deserves and needs to be punished by law. He is 18 and an Adult. Assault is Assault. Its not a race issue, its a criminal issue. Bad parenting !!!! Spare the rod and watch them flourish.
Report Post »Sondergard
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:33pmreally biggreenboo no charges really? lets see you get attacked and say he should not face charges
Report Post »Sondergard
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:34pmcan i attack you biggreenboo i wanna let out some anger on some moron with no reprecussions
Report Post »OATMEAL
Posted on December 17, 2010 at 1:11amDisgusting, but I am sure Liberals would defend him, was the Ref. White? If so, charge this Filthy Creature with a Hate Crime. Forced abortions in the inner cities would eventually put our country on the right track. He will probably end up in prison for raping a White woman! Does anyone really believe he is sorry for what he did?