Referee in viral video at Kansas high school game ‘to take a break’ from officiating
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Referee fell after issuing two technicals at Bonner Springs-Eudora game; video circulated.
- KSHSAA opened a review and placed the veteran official on a temporary break.
- Official Jeff Freeman cited a medical condition, said he will see a neurologist.
Friday night’s Bonner Springs-Eudora girls basketball game was already going to be a big deal because both teams entered with just one loss.
But a moment involving a referee went viral over the weekend.
An official issued two technical fouls to a Bonner Springs player in the third quarter and walked toward the scorer’s table. As the player made her case, the official fell to the court. There appeared to be little or no contact between the player and the referee.
A YouTube video shows the official was prone on the court for quite some time.
“I don’t want to speculate,” a TV broadcaster said, “but that looked a little more performative than what actually transpired.”
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) said the referee will be taking time off from officiating.
“The KSHSAA is aware of an incident which occurred in the varsity girls basketball game at Eudora on January 16,” KSHSAA assistant executive director Jeremy Holaday wrote in an email to The Star. “Consistent with policy, the KSHSAA is continuing the review of this event, recognizing safety of all stakeholders is of primary concern.
“Following discussions with the school leaders, medical personnel onsite, league assigners, and the official, it was determined the appropriate course of action is to have the official take a break from active officiating in order to pursue appropriate outcomes for the official and all stakeholders. The KSHSAA recognizes the official has been a registered official for over 30 years, has officiated state championship contests in three different sports, and is a retired educator.”
KCTV said the official’s name is Jeff Freeman, and he explained his side of the story.
“I have a medical condition,” Freeman told KCTV on Monday. “I am visiting my neurologist tomorrow, hopefully, and will have additional information after that. Ask my fellow officials, coaches, athletic directors, etc., about me. My reputation is stellar. I do not want any additional punishment for that player, coach or school. It was not their fault.”
