Youth basketball referee pleads guilty to cutting coach; says it was self-defense

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

A former local youth basketball referee maintains his innocence despite entering guilty please in court Monday afternoon to charges that he cut a coach with a knife during an altercation in February at Spring Hill Elementary after a game between 7- and 8-year old kids.

Oliver Louis Wood, 47, said he acted in self-defense because the victim, Jerry Sweeney, had him backed against the wall. Wood said the incident wouldn't have happened had he been able to get away.

"I certainly regret that all this happened," Wood said, speaking to reporters after court adjourned. "I still say I'm innocent. I did what I had to do to protect myself."

Fayette Superior Court Judge Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr. accepted Wood's guilty pleas for aggravated assault and possession of a weapon on school property. He sentenced Wood to eight years' probation and a $3,000 fine while ordering payment of $550 in restitution for Sweeney's medical bills.

District Attorney Bill McBroom said Sweeney agreed to the plea bargain. He added that Wood, a Baptist minister, had no prior criminal history.

Wood, who pastors Elim Baptist Church in Coweta County, said he harbors no ill will toward Sweeney or assistant coach Mike Barfield, who also participated in the confrontation.

"In fact, I wish him the best," Wood said of Sweeney.

Wood also said he was sorry the incident occurred.

"We're just two old men who didn't have to get into a situation like this," Wood said, adding that the Lord helped him deal with the situation. "I'm glad it's over."

Wood said he does not want to prosecute Sweeney for his actions. He added, however, "I just believe somebody didn't want their dirty laundry aired."

As a result of the incident, Wood was fired as a school bus driver and substitute teacher. Wood said Sweeney approached him after the game while he was changing his shoes.

"He was bumping me and put his hand under my neck," Wood said. "I couldn't get out of there because I was against the wall. I couldn't move."

Wood said Barfield complained about the refereeing "all game" and intimidated the younger referee who was working the game with him.

"They were doing things that shouldn't be done at an 8-year-old basketball game," Wood said. "We're supposed to be nurturing these kids."

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page