By Dan Murphy
One of the problems we now see far too often in sporting events for young kids and teens is the over-the-top behavior of coaches and parents at the games. Their zeal for winning the game takes over, and often, the referee or umpire bears the brunt of the rage.
A recent incident at a Pennsylvania basketball game involving violence against a referee rose to crime. Mt. Vernon Firefighter Jomo Errol Belfore attacked a ref at a basketball game played by 10-year-olds, head butting and punching the ref.
A viral TikTok video showed the assault, which led police in Landesville, PA, to arrest Belfor. The video, which has now been taken down from TikTok, showed Belfor, 41, taking a basketball out of the hands of the ref and punching him in the face. The assault left the ref with a black eye, chipped tooth, and swollen lip.
Belfor is charged with Assault on a Sports Official, Harassment, and Disorderly Conduct and Engaging in Fighting.
Belfor flew into a rage after what he thought was a bad call by the ref, a foul on one of his players. The ref gave Belfor a technical foul and asked security to remove him, but before that happened, Belfor beat the ref so hard that spectators ran onto the court. The game was held at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster County. East Hempfield Township police responded to the call.
Belfor was a very good basketball player, a coach, and a worker for Hoop Lab Fam at the time of the incident. His bio from Hoop Lab reads. “Jomo is from Mount Vernon, New York, where he attended high school and played varsity basketball for four years. He graduated from James Madison University, earning a Division 1 Scholarship and being a standout point guard. Jomo went on to play professionally in Columbia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
“Currently, founded a non-profit organization, The Forumla by LaboutSkill, which has a mission of working with youth in underserved communities. He aims to teach transferable life skills through basketball. Jomo brings excellent experience in player development. He pays great attention to detail and player fundamentals. He has a gift in his ability to teach children of all talent levels. He is an interactive trainer and likes to demonstrate drills as he teaches them to athletes.
This example of outbursts and violence against Referees and Umpires has made it difficult for Sports leagues and organizations to find and hire new refs.
Sam Riti, who has been refereeing basketball games across Westchester for 50 years, said, “Some refs don’t want to do it anymore. It’s not worth the risk of something like this happening.”
“We have to remember that these are young kids. What kind of example does a coach or parent show these young athletes when they curse out, threaten, or attack a referee?”
“And it’s not just coaches. I have seen parents threaten the refs after a game, saying, “I will meet you outside. “We all need to realize what we are there for.”
In Yonkers, a recent basketball game between two Yonkers high schools -was canceled after a fight broke out between both teams before the game began.
Another incident at a Saunders High School game involved a parent attempting to be removed by school security, which resulted in Yonkers police being called in.
Most games have either a security guard or a police officer present. However, without police presence, security cannot deter coaches or parents from losing control.
We have spoken to many of Belfor’s friends, who point to all the good work he has done for kids across the region.
As a former Division I College Basketball Player, Belfor should have known better and respected the game, players, and referee of the game he loves.
Editor’s Note: This story first appeared locally at Mt VernonNews Center-https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19zr7ddBte/
On Jan. 8, Belfor released a statement which read, “The incident that took place in Pennsylvania was completely unacceptable. I take full responsibility for my actions. As a public servant and youth development professional, I recognize that I hold positions of trust and leadership. I understand that I must serve as a role model for the young people that look up to me.”
