CALIFORNIA – A 15-year-old Asian girl, Lauryn Ham was sucker punched by her 14-year-old rival, who was instructed to do so by her mother during a school basketball match.
The suspect is said to be the daughter of former NBA star Corey Benjamin.
In the video, the suspect missed the chance to score a three-pointer as she was prevented from doing so by Lauryn, causing both to tumble out of the court.
As the duo began making their way back into the court, the suspect suddenly landed a vicious swing on Lauryn’s chin and throat, sending her slumping to the floor.
Game officials quickly halted the game and deployed medical personnel to attend to Lauryn. The attacker and her mother were also forced to leave the venue.
Daily Mail also reported that Lauryn suffered a concussion following the attack.
‘You better hit her!’
Lauryn’s mother, Alice Ham later took to Instagram to shed light on the details of the attack.
This happened to my DAUGHTER yesterday (Nov 11, US time). There is absolutely no place for something like this in basketball.
This mom told her daughter to ‘go and hit her’ and my kid gets an unprovoked sucker punch.
Alice also alleged that the suspect and her mother showed “absolutely no remorse and offered no apology”.
Asian-American news outlet NextShark reported that Lauryn was taken to an urgent care facility for an immediate medical check-up and revealed that a police report has been lodged against the suspect.
Lingering effects
Alice added that her daughter is still experiencing the aftermath of the attack, where she has difficulties concentrating on her tasks and has yet to return to school.
Read also: “Fight Me Instead!” Manny Pacquiao Voices Out Against Anti-Asian Discrimination
“She has been mostly staying in a dark room and just trying to rest,” she told Daily Mail.
Suspect’s lawyer: ‘This is an unfortunate incident’
Attorney Brett Greenfield told ABC7 that the suspect’s family was “deeply and sincerely remorseful” over the incident.
This is an unfortunate incident involving a very hard working and promising student athlete.
We must keep some perspective and keep in mind that this is a young minor who has made a mistake.”
He also claimed that the family had received a wave of negative responses on social media and called upon netizens to give them space.
“We would respectfully request that she be given the benefit of the doubt and that her privacy be respected given her young age.”
Corey Benjamin himself later released a statement and apologised for his daughter’s behavior, saying that “this is not how I raised [her]”.
What do you think? Comment below and let us know!
It’s unrelated to the article but here’s our brand-new podcast – Talk Je Lah!
Cover Images via Instagram/@hammyalice
Editor: Sarah Yeoh
