A youth basketball coach from Michigan allegedly beat a 60-year old referee during an event in Paducah over the weekend.
Kenyon Menifield, 40, was later arrested at a local hotel.
Here is an official release from the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office:
On April 6, 2019, at approximately 10:42 pm, McCracken County Sheriff Deputies responded to the Sports Plex, located at 6525 US HWY 60 West, for an assault. Investigation revealed there had been a disagreement between a referee and a coach, later identified as Kenyon Menifield, 40, of Flint, Michigan. During the disagreement the referee turned to walk away. As he did, Menifield punched the referee, knocking him unconscious, causing minor injuries. Menifield then fled the area prior to Deputies arrival. Menifield was quickly located at a local hotel and taken into custody.
Menifield was arrested and lodged in McCracken County Regional Jail.
Arrested
Kenyon Menifield
Charges
Assault of sports official 1st offense – Class A misdemeanor
Our thoughts are with Kenny Culp, a basketball official who was brutally attacked by an AAU coach over the weekend in Paducah. In light of this development, we will be making additional efforts during future events to ensure safety for our referees, players, staff and guests.
— Hopkinsville Sportsplex (@HopSportsplex) April 7, 2019
Referee Kenny Culp, who was reportedly working the game for $20 to help with family medical bills, has multiple injuries and is currently in Vanderbilt Hospital according to unofficial reports on social media:
Kenny has a broken collar bone, broken sinus cavity, and a bleed on his brain. He was shipped to Vanderbilt Hospital.
Kenny is in Vandy with a Brian bleed, broken sinus cavity, broken bones etc!
Menifield is apparently trying to defend his behavior on Facebook:
Keyon Menifield
2 hrs ·
Man listen buddy called us a name he shouldn’t have but that doesn’t make it right for me to put my hands on him ! Now all the racist people who are he’s friends are calling me the same thing but he didn’t say it yea right but anyway I could careless about the outside world I just want to First apologize to the victim, my parents and kids and the tournament director and the victim family ! I’m going to continue living my life y’all mad I’m posting pics like I think it’s a joke I haven’t made 1 joke about Buddy I pray for a speedy recovery , stating the obvious I’ve admitted to punching him but did I mean to cause any injury know ! That’s the last I’m go speak on it ,I
Photos of Culp are disturbing:
UPDATE: The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) claims Menifield is not associated with AAU basketball. The article has been amended to say “youth basketball” coach.
