Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn accidentally knocks referee unconscious during celebration

A referee exited a Big Ten game Wednesday night and was taken to the hospital as a precaution after being struck in the head by a celebrating player.

Illinois center Kofi Cockburn made a pivotal basket late in the second half against Michigan and also drew a foul. As he celebrated the play, the seven-footer accidentally struck ref Lewis Garrison square in the back of the head with his right arm.

According to the Associated Press, Garrison was knocked unconscious. He grabbed his head and struggled to maintain his balance, with an apologetic Cockburn and a teammate supporting him. Garrison left the game and was cleared by doctors on site before being taken to a nearby hospital for a precautionary X-ray, Illinois spokesman Derrick Brunson said.

“I’m a really emotional guy,” Cockburn said. “We’ve lost the last couple of close games and that just me being passionate, I hit him and I feel bad. I went and told him after the game that I was sorry. He didn’t seem mad at me.”

The other two referees finished out the game as Illinois defeated the No. 7 Wolverines 71-62. Cockburn finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

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