Update:Mount San Antonio has released a statement in response to the incident.
Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) maintains high standards of conduct for all students and student-athletes. During the Saturday night football game between Mt. SAC and Ventura College, a Mt. SAC player was removed from the game for allegedly striking a referee.
After closely reviewing video footage and interviewing those involved and outside witnesses, Mt. SAC maintains that the student-athlete, Bernard Shirmer, unintentionally hit the referee. During a disagreement after a play, numerous people surrounded him and pulled him away from the opposing player. Out of frustration, Mr. Shirmer struck himself on the helmet, a habit he often does to calm himself down. In doing so, he inadvertently hit the referee and initially believed someone else had done so.
Mr. Shirmer expressed deep remorse about the incident and any harm to the referee.
Mt. San Antonio College will continue to complete an assessment of his conduct to determine what sanctions, if any, are appropriate for the incident. Additionally, the college is fully cooperating with investigations by other agencies.
Mount San Antonio (JC - CA) offensive lineman Bernard Schirmer was led away from his team's game in handcuffs after punching a referee during a game with Ventura College.
VIDEO: Mt. SAC lineman punches referee between plays at Ventura College (video by @SoCalCollegeSpo)
Gives a new meaning to "under review" @VCAthletics@VCPirateFB@scfafootball@MtSAC_athleticspic.twitter.com/eovwo95CtS
— VCStar CollegeSports (@vcscolleges) September 11, 2016
">@scfafootball pic.twitter.com/ZD4vejJRYp
— VCStar CollegeSports (@vcscolleges) September 11, 2016
Police immediately went to work reviewing game footage and taking witness statements. Schirmer was charged with suspicion of battery.
"I shook his hand when he was coming off and I asked him if he was okay," Ventura College head coah Steve Mooshagian told the Ventura County Star. "He looked like he was a little drowsy."
The official did not return to the game after the punch.
Schirmer, needless to say, was ejected from the game and could face a 5-year ban from the California Community College Athletic Association.
(HT CFTalk)