Referee Chokes Coach At Youth Football Game In NJ, Authorities Say

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A referee at a youth football game was arrested on Sunday after he choked one of the team's coaches, the Franklin Township Police Department said.

Edward McKinnie Jr., 47, of Blackwood, was charged with second-degree aggravated assault.

At around 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the Franklin Township Sports Complex along Pennsylvania Avenue for a report of assault at a youth flag football game.

Based on early evidence, an argument over a call on the field grew to a referee strangling a 46-year-old man from Newfield, who was one of the coaches.

Witnesses recounted the assault, and spectators had to intervene and separate the two parties, authorities added.

The coach was treated on scene by Gloucester County EMS for his injuries.

McKinnie was processed and released pending a future court appearance.

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