A former local youth basketball

referee maintains his innocence despite entering guilty please in court

Monday afternoon to charges that he cut a coach with a knife during an

altercation in February at Spring Hill Elementary after a game between

7- and 8-year old kids.

Oliver Louis Wood, 47, said

he acted in self-defense because the victim, Jerry Sweeney, had him backed

against the wall. Wood said the incident wouldn't have happened had he

been able to get away.

"I certainly regret that

all this happened," Wood said, speaking to reporters after court

adjourned. "I still say I'm innocent. I did what I had to do to protect

myself."

Fayette Superior Court Judge

Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr. accepted Wood's guilty pleas for aggravated assault

and possession of a weapon on school property. He sentenced Wood to eight

years' probation and a $3,000 fine while ordering payment of $550 in restitution

for Sweeney's medical bills.

District Attorney Bill McBroom

said Sweeney agreed to the plea bargain. He added that Wood, a Baptist

minister, had no prior criminal history.

Wood, who pastors Elim Baptist

Church in Coweta County, said he harbors no ill will toward Sweeney or

assistant coach Mike Barfield, who also participated in the confrontation.

"In fact, I wish him the

best," Wood said of Sweeney.

Wood also said he was sorry

the incident occurred.

"We're just two old men

who didn't have to get into a situation like this," Wood said, adding

that the Lord helped him deal with the situation. "I'm glad it's

over."

Wood said he does not want

to prosecute Sweeney for his actions. He added, however, "I just

believe somebody didn't want their dirty laundry aired."

As a result of the incident,

Wood was fired as a school bus driver and substitute teacher. Wood said

Sweeney approached him after the game while he was changing his shoes.

"He was bumping me and

put his hand under my neck," Wood said. "I couldn't get out

of there because I was against the wall. I couldn't move."

Wood said Barfield complained

about the refereeing "all game" and intimidated the younger

referee who was working the game with him.

"They were doing things

that shouldn't be done at an 8-year-old basketball game," Wood said.

"We're supposed to be nurturing these kids."

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