(LEX 18) — Three republican lawmakers filed a "Good Sport" Bill to restore sportsmanship at games. If passed into law, it would be a Class A misdemeanor to intimidate sports officials and a Class D felony if an assault occurs.
The bill stems from an incident at a McCracken County youth basketball game last April. 60-year-old Kenny Culp, a referee, was knocked unconscious on the court. The accused is a basketball coach from Michigan who now faces an assault charge.
Culp, who is still recovering from his injuries, was in Frankfort when the bill was announced.
"The assaults got to stop, the fans have got to be more educated on how to act at games. You can't just come back crazy and silly," Culp said.
Under the bill, an intimidation offense would include threatening physical harm or property damage.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Randy Bridges of Paducah, Rep. Brandon Reed of Hodgenville, and House Majority Whip Chad McCoy of Bardstown.
"We've got to do something to prevent these highly-charged situations from escalating," Bridges said.
