High school coach booted after apparently head-butting referee

LANGHORNE, Pa., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania high school basketball coach was ejected from a game after apparently head-butting a referee in an incident caught on camera.

The video of the incident shows Jerry Devine, coach of Neshaminy High School's boys' basketball team in suburban Philadelphia, become visibly upset when a referee calls an offensive foul with less than a minute left in Tuesday night's game against Pennsbury High School.

Devine appears to head-butt the referee to the ground, although some reports suggest he might have made contact with his chest rather than his head.

The coach was ejected from the game and Neshaminy School District released a statement saying he has been placed on administrative leave.

"The administration at Neshaminy School District is conducting a thorough review of an incident at the varsity basketball game Tuesday evening (January 5, 2016) involving coach Jerry Devine and a referee. Appropriate action was taken at the game following that incident, and further measures may follow depending on the outcome of that review. As this is a personnel matter, we will not be able to comment on the specifics of any possible disciplinary action until that review process is complete.

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Mr. Devine has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that review for both his teaching and coaching positions. The athletic program at Neshaminy places the values of fair play and sportsmanlike conduct above all. We expect our coaches and staff to teach and uphold those principles, while acting in a professional manner at all times."

Police said they are looking into the incident.

"No one involved in this incident has even reached out to the police department as of now. So, all we have is the video. But because we have that we will do an investigation," Chief Joe Bartorilla of the Middletown Township Police Department told WCAU-TV.