A teen girl brutally attacked her opponent during a basketball game last month in Southern California. The assailant’s mother has been charged in the sucker-punch attack for allegedly telling her daughter to hit the other girl. The attacker’s father – who is a former NBA player – apologized for the barbaric assault.
During the tournament game between the SoCal Blaze and Dream Academy on Nov. 7, a player took a jump shot. A defender put a hand in her shooter’s face, and the two players caused each other to fall down to the ground.
Both players get up and start walking to the other side of the court.
In the video, you can hear a female voice yell, “You better hit her for that!”
A second later, one of the players winds up and brutally sucker-punches the defender in the head.
KNBC reported that the victim suffered a concussion, and is “home and recovering.”
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Latira Shonty Hunt allegedly instructed her daughter to “hit” the opponent. Hunt, 44, was charged with two misdemeanors — one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of battery. Hunt, of La Puente, California, faces up to a year in jail if convicted.
“It is unconscionable that a parent would encourage her child to engage in violence during a sporting event,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. “Youth sports are invaluable in teaching our children discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. But a win at all costs mentality that is completely devoid of fair play, respect, and civility is disgusting. We as parents have the fundamental responsibility to raise our children to be good human beings who treat others with kindness and humanity.”
Kevin Hahn – an attorney for the victim – said, “There was a clear direction from the mother to go hit my client. She clearly acted at the direction of her mother.”
The assailant’s father – ex-NBA player Corey Benjamin – issued an apology.
“As a father, I’m shocked and disappointed at my daughter’s behavior as this is not a reflection of the values and standards that my family holds,” Benjamin said. “Nor does it exemplify the values, character and spirit of sportsmanship that the game of basketball requires.”
“To the young lady who was punched by my daughter during a youth basketball game, I sincerely apologize to you and I am praying for your complete healing both physically and emotionally,” he continued. “To her family, I deeply apologize and regret that this happened to your daughter as she did not deserve this to happen to her. Finally, I apologize to all of those who have been impacted and hurt by the actions of my daughter as well as those of her mother.”
Brett Greenfield – a lawyer representing the Benjamini family – told NBC News, “We look forward to seeing the evidence and will address the charges accordingly.”
“In the meantime, nothing is being done to protect the privacy of a minor nor has any protection been offered in the face of multiple unsolicited threats and racist rants directed toward the mother and minor daughter,” Greenfield added.
(CAUTION: Graphic Footage)