KBF on the spot after referee headbutts coach, both parties reconcile

A statement from the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) condemning an altercation between Strathmore University head coach Tony Ochieng and referee Edward Kalume, one of the officials in the varsity side’s clash against Coastal Kings, has sparked widespread discussion.

A video circulating on social media captured the incident, which occurred in the first half of the match played on Saturday, January 25, at Nyayo Indoor Gymnasium. A heated argument between the two resulted in the referee headbutting coach Ochieng, who then shoved another official attempting to restrain him from retaliating.

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“Such behavior violates the rules and undermines the integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship that basketball represents. At KBF, the safety and well-being of all participants players, coaches, referees, and officials remain our top priority. Acts of violence or intimidation have no place in our sport. We firmly uphold the values of respect, discipline, and fairness, and we will not tolerate any actions that compromise these principles,” the statement reads in part.

The federation says the matter has been escalated to the KBF League and Competitions Committee for immediate review promising that, “appropriate disciplinary actions, in line with KBF regulations, will be taken.”

The promise, however, seems not to sit well with some stakeholders who have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the 'slow' manner in which the involved parties have been ‘dealt with’. Previous incidences have also cropped up where almost similar occurrences have gone unpunished.

“We call on all stakeholders coaches, players, referees, and fans to uphold professionalism and maintain decorum on and off the court. Basketball is a unifying force, and it is our shared responsibility to preserve a safe and respectful environment for everyone. KBF remains committed to fostering the growth of basketball in Kenya and promoting mutual respect and sportsmanship across the basketball community,” the statement continues.

Coach Ochieng who suffered injuries from the incident has termed the situation unfortunate, one that should never have happened but in a quick rejoinder admits that emotions were running high and mistakes were made.

“While this is regrettable, we are all human, and all this was just an emotional response to a tricky situation. There are better ways that both parties should have used to handle the altercation, following sportsmanship and the rules of the game, like ejection or using the captain to address the issue at hand. On behalf of the referee, who is a good friend and reached out personally before the game even concluded, and I, we apologize to the basketball and sporting community for this incident,” Ochieng told Mozzart Sport while maintaining that the two are mentors in the sport and that dictates decorum in how they handle misunderstandings.

On his part, the official agrees with Ochieng’s sentiments that there was a better way of conducting themselves.

“Two wrongs do not make a right and I apologize that this got here,” Kalume says. “I was riled by some words and had an emotional response. We had a conversation where we both took ownership of our actions. The matter is with the federation and I am ready for the decision that comes out of this.”