WELCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A basketball game between Mount View High School and Man High School turned violent Tuesday night after a Man player launched a flying kick toward the Mount View bench, triggering a brawl.
Video footage from the game shows the initial scuffle occurring on the court with 15.5 seconds left in regulation.
The altercation quickly escalated as players and coaches from both teams became involved. Spectators also rushed from the stands in an attempt to separate those engaged in the fight.
Among those who intervened was Kelvin Dubouse, an assistant coach for the Mount View High School football team and a former West Virginia University football player.
Following the incident, Dubouse announced on Facebook that he had been suspended from his coaching position by the McDowell County Board of Education.
“As of today, I’m no longer coaching at Mt. View High School football… They suspended me for helping save that kid at the game the other day, in which I stopped a parent from engaging in a kid, stopped another kid and fans from attacking the rest of the Man Hillbilly side as I stood at half court… went into their locker room and escorted them to their cars without incident, and then [they] suspend me from coaching football because of it,” Dubouse wrote.
“Then they [told] me not to say anything about it on social media or I’m completely done. Nah, I’m good on that. So as of today, I’m stepping away. They can have it.”
The McDowell County Board of Education has since released a statement emphasizing its commitment to maintaining order and safety at athletic events.
“McDowell County Schools’ top priority is the safety of our players, coaches, officials, and spectators. We take all incidents of disorderly conduct seriously and will not tolerate any disruptions that jeopardize the integrity of our athletic events.
Effective immediately, any spectator who enters restricted areas in an unauthorized manner (such as the basketball court during an altercation or game, or player locker rooms) will be subject to disciplinary action. All games are recorded, and footage will be reviewed to identify individuals who violate this directive. Those found to be in unauthorized areas will face a ban from school property for a determined timeframe.
We are proud of our student-athletes and are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for them to compete. We appreciate our fans’ cooperation in ensuring that our athletic events remain a place of sportsmanship and respect.”
It remains unclear if any further disciplinary actions will be taken against players or other individuals involved in the incident.
