Player accused of assaulting ref at Portland charity basketball - News, Weather, Sports, Toledo, OH

Police said a basketball player assaulted a referee at the Rip City 3-on-3 charity tournament at the Rose Quarter over the weekend.

Referee Eric Grumbo said the player attacked him when he made an out-of-bounds call. He said player Tommy Felton argued the call and got physical when Grumbo threw him out of the game.

"He proceeded to head butt me," Grumbo said. "I pushed him away, and then he socked me right in the eye... I was shocked. I just couldn't believe this happened."

Felton admitted to FOX 12 that he hit Grumbo.

"He walks up to me, face to face," Felton said. "I'm standing my ground and then he proceeds to push me. In that instance, he pushed me, I struck him once. That was pretty much the end of it. Everybody broke it up."

Grumbo had some bruising but no permanent damage from the punch.

Police arrested Felton, who is from Washington. He pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge.

The Rip City 3-on-3 Tournament is a benefit for The Special Olympics of Oregon. More than 350 teams from around the region, including teams of kids, teens and adults participated.

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