The sports category has moved to a new website.

Illinois star Kofi Cockburn accidentally knocks referee unconscious while celebrating a play against Michigan

Illinois Fighting Illini freshman center Kofi Cockburn accidentally knocked a referee unconscious while celebrating an and-one.

Screen_Shot_2019 12 12_at_9_39_26_AM
  • The 7-foot, 290-pound freshman whipped his right arm over his head and brought down his elbow directly into the back of Lewis Garrison's head.
  • According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander , Garrison was helped off the floor and into the back of the arena after spending minutes on all fours. He was cleared before leaving the arena but visited the hospital for a precautionary X-ray.
  • The collision overshadowed Kofi Cockburn's impressive 19-point performance in Illinois' upset of the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines .
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Injuries are commonplace in the heat of a game, but it's not every day that you see a referee hit the deck.

Late in the second half of the Illinois Fighting Illini's eventual upset of the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines Wednesday night, Illinois center Kofi Cockburn hit a put-back floater to further extend their lead. As referee Lewis Garrison, who was positioned on the baseline behind the basket, whistled Michigan's Zavier Simpson for the foul, the official lunged forward into Cockburn's path.

Cockburn, meanwhile, was busy celebrating his and-one. The 7-foot, 290-pound freshman whipped his right arm over his head and brought down his fist. His elbow collided with Garrison's head and, according to the Associated Press, knocked the referee unconscious.

ADVERTISEMENT

Garrison immediately clutched his head in his hands and stumbled to the floor, and Cockburn lept forward to help the official. According to CBS Sports' Matt Norlander , Garrison was helped off the floor and into the back of the arena after spending minutes on all fours. Illinois spokesman Derrick Brunson said Garrison was cleared by doctors before he left the arena but still visited a nearby hospital for a precautionary X-ray.

The unfortunate collision overshadowed an impressive performance from Cockburn, who poured in a game-high 19 points in addition to notching 10 rebounds and four blocks. You can watch his full highlights from Wednesday night below:

See Also:

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

African countries with the highest divorce rate

African countries with the highest divorce rate

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

ADVERTISEMENT