A high school basketball game at Lumberton High School erupted in chaos Tuesday night when an announcer was verbally attacked after making an announcement regarding the game’s score clock. The incident happened during a game between Lumberton High School Pirates and Seventy-First High School Falcons from Fayetteville, leaving fans utterly disgusted.
As the game neared its conclusion, Lumberton found themselves three points behind Seventy-First with a stopped clock of only 36.8 seconds remaining. The referee blew his whistle to signal a play call, and only then did the clock start. Fans started complaining as could be heard in the video.
The announcer took to the PA system to address the delay, stating:
“FANS, FANS, WE DO HAVE A DELAY IN THE CLOCK… HE DID START THE CLOCK, ALRIGHT… HE DID START THE CLOCK.”
The announcement drew the attention of a man who appeared to be supporting the Seventy-First team. Video footage circulating on social media shows the man aggressively yelling at the announcer. As the exchange escalated, the man stepped down a few steps, and it seemed the announcer reached out to grab him, moments before the man punched the announcer in the head, resulting in a full-blown altercation.
Seventy-First head coach Jeremy Ingram could be seen rushing over to the altercation towards the announcer and a woman. Officers and others in the crowd scrambled to separate the parties and restore order, but not before the situation had spiraled out of control.
As the fight was broken up, Coach Ingram was seen with his fists balled, visibly upset. Meanwhile, the Lumberton High School basketball team made their way to the locker rooms during the altercation.
Watch the Video Below:
View this post on Instagram
We have reached out to both schools for statements regarding the altercation, but as of now, no word back.
