MHSAA suspends ref for pushing west Michigan basketball coach

MUSKEGON, Mich. - A Michigan high school basketball referee who pushed a coach has been suspended for the rest of the season, officials said Monday.

 (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The incident occurred Friday night at a game between Zeeland East and Muskegon. Video showed William Ripple putting his hands on the chest of Muskegon coach Keith Guy and pushing him away during a tense exchange late in the game.

"The MHSAA does not condone any official making intentional contact with a coach. We expect that MHSAA officials will defuse situations when possible and penalize under the rules when necessary," said Geoff Kimmerly, spokesman for the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Ripple couldn’t immediately be reached for comment, MLive.com reported.

Guy was unhappy after the game, which ended in a loss for Muskegon.

"I couldn’t get away with that. I don’t teach my team to do that and there was no reason for him to put his hands on me and push me. ... I’m upset right now because I’m sorry for my kids. I’m sorry they had to see that," Guy said.