We told you earlier about the courtside fight former NBA baller Dominique Wilkins had with a former NBA referee, and now witnesses are saying that the ref took a swing at Dominique first!  Deets inside....

Sources say former NBA referee Rashan S. Michel, who found himself with a swollen left eye and misdemeanor assault charges for confronting Dominique Wilkins over an alleged $12,500 clothing debt, swung at the baller first. 
 

Rashan, who was booked at Fulton County Jail and charged with two counts of simple battery, was released on $1,000 bond early Thursday. 

After his release Rashan then tried to explain why he approached Dominique.  On V103's "Frank and Wanda Morning Show", he said, 
 

"I was like, ‘Let's handle this like men, work out a payment plan."

He later tweeted:

"I call what happened at Philips Arena earlier, Operation Repo. ... Next time have my money!” 
 

Unfortunately, Dominique has had problems with the IRS and the federal government placed a lien against his house on Wisteria Vine Lane in Lilburn in 2008 for $37,833 in back taxes. The lien was released on Aug. 31.

But new details have emerged regarding the incident. Officer Kim Jones, an Atlanta police spokeswoman, said after the game Rashan made his way to press row and hit Dominique in the chest.

And another arena employee said Rashan took a swing at Dominique, who then deflected the blow before shoving Michel into the first row of seats. After that, Sekou Smith of NBA.com said Dominique got in three solid punches while Rashan landed none.

For his part, Atlanta Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche said the team has instructed Dominique not to comment.

Ouch....looks like Rashan was't prepared for the fight with the 6'8" baller. That had to hurt.