Football brawl fallout: Some allege prejudice in charging of students
An image captured during the Oct. 12 post-game brawl between Pioneer and Huron High School players and coaches.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
As charges against three Pioneer football players involved in a post-game brawl make their way through the courts, some in the Ann Arbor community, including school board members, say the three are being treated unfairly because they're black.
Public outcry over the cases has grown recently after one of the three players was found responsible on a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery.
Leslie Hollingsworth, who is among those working to raise awareness of the case in the community, said it’s important for people in the community to notice the only three people charged in the brawl are black students. Hollingsworth, an associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, is concerned about the effect the charges will have on their futures.
"These three young men were in school, playing football for their school, and yet (only) they get charged with felonies and felonious assault, which can influence them for the rest of their lives in terms of jobs," she said.
The controversy started the night of Oct. 12 when players and coaches from the Pioneer and Huron football teams brawled at Riverbank Stadium. Three players have been charged — two are accused of kicking a Huron player in the face, causing injuries, and one is accused of swinging a crutch toward a group of players.
First student deemed responsible
Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Steven Hiller said Tuesday one juvenile was found responsible for assault or assault and battery on Feb. 6. In juvenile cases, the defendants are found responsible or not responsible, rather than guilty or not guilty, Hiller said.
Both juveniles were charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault and assault or assault and battery.
The third student, Bashir Garain, 18, is charged with two felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two misdemeanor counts of assault and battery.
Hiller confirmed the developments in the case without releasing the names of the juveniles. It is AnnArbor.com’s policy to not name juveniles charged with a crime.
A growing controversy
The resolution of the first case is the latest development in court proceedings that have angered some members of the public, including school board Trustee Susan Baskett.
"This has been really tough and emotional for the African American community," Baskett told AnnArbor.com.
Some in the community are unhappy prosecutors declined to charge then-Huron head coach Cory Gildersleeve, then-Pioneer head coach Paul Test or then-Pioneer assistant coach Vince Wortmann. The confrontation between those three started the melee.
When Gildersleeve and Test came together at midfield after the game, the two began a screaming match, and Test alleged Gildersleeve pushed him. Wortmann shoved Gildersleeve, touching off the brawl.
Prosecutors did not charge Wortmann, deciding he believed Test was in physical danger from the younger, larger Gildersleeve. Wortmann, who is black, was fired for his actions during the brawl.
The two teenagers, who were 16 at the time of the brawl, making them juveniles in the eyes of the law, were accused of injuring Huron player Will Harris. Harris was the only person injured in the fight and said he was kicked deliberately during the struggle.
According to the Ann Arbor police report from the Oct. 12 incident, Huron assistant coach Andre Parker told police the two players repeatedly kicked Harris during the fight.
Parker told police one of the accused students tweeted an apology to Harris for the incident after the game.
Since the charges were filed against the three Pioneer players, online petitions have circulated, seeking to get Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie to drop the charges. Supporters of the juvenile student who has yet to be tried have raised questions about the ability of the public defender to provide a proper defense.
A group formed to help this student, known as Student B by supporters, has scheduled at least two fundraisers. Save Our Sons, a non-profit organization, is selling tickets for an event it's calling Strikes Against Injustice at Colonial Lanes, 1950 S. Industrial Highway, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 22. A similar event was scheduled for last Friday.
As of Friday, a Facebook page for Save Our Sons had 75 likes.
Leslie Hollingsworth
University of Michigan photo
Hollingsworth said there’s a lot of concern about young black men making up a disproportionate amount of the criminal population. The students got caught up in the brawl, and the criminal charges against them seem to be over the top, she said.
“I haven’t heard anyone who disagrees with how easy it is for young people, who feel they’re helping out their coaches in an emotional moment, to get involved in that kind of brawl,” she said. “To have it made a criminal situation, especially with the realization of the long-term repercussions of felonies on all of the students, was just a major concern.”
Hollingsworth said the Feb. 20 forum inspired a lot of discussion among the people in attendance and the group came away with several ideas about what to do next.
Since the meeting, supporters of the students have been writing letters to Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Donald Shelton and Mackie, urging them to dismiss the cases. The group also asked the Ann Arbor Board of Education to discuss a resolution supporting the students and objecting to the charges, a measure that's scheduled to be discussed at the regular board meeting Wednesday.
Other ideas included asking the school board to investigate the questioning of students on school property by police, attending court proceedings, encouraging other forms of punishment such as in-school suspensions and peer mediation and the fundraisers, Hollingsworth said.
Part of the discussion at the forum revolved around unintentional bias, Hollingsworth said.
“Cultural issues get involved in African American youth being over identified,” she said. “That’s something we, as a larger Ann Arbor community, we have to pay larger attention to because I don’t think the community recognizes that.”
The forum also provided insight into the experience of the students when they were arrested, Hollingsworth said. The mother of one of the charged juveniles told attendees at the forum about the day when Ann Arbor police officers came to her door to arrest her son, Hollingsworth said.
The woman said two officers came to the front door, and she invited them inside. She noticed two more around back, in addition to two others on standby, Hollingsworth said. The woman felt like the implication was her son would try to escape, even though she was being friendly to the officers, Hollingsworth said.
Eventually, the officers realized the woman was cooperating and suggested she bring her son to the police station on the next weekday so he would be processed without having to spend the night in jail. However, the experience left a bad taste in the woman’s mouth, Hollingsworth said.
“It was sort of like, as an African American person, she had to be respectful, she had to counter the stereotype, in order to protect her son,” Hollingsworth said. “It sounded like such old stuff, from just way back.”
Court cases trudge on
While the discussion about the charges heats up, the court cases are nearing their end.
Records show the juvenile found responsible was offered a plea deal just before his trial on Feb. 6, but declined to plead responsible to one count of aggravated assault. He is scheduled to return to court for a dispositional hearing at 10 a.m. on March 19.
The second juvenile is scheduled to go to trial on March 25, Hiller said. According to court records, Harris identified that student by the type of football cleats he wore during the incident.
Garain, who was charged as an adult, is scheduled to go to trial on April 1. Garain is accused of swinging a crutch toward players on the ground during the brawl.
K-12 education reporter Danielle Arndt contributed to this story.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
goosenews
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
People like Robert Granville and Leslie Hollingsworth seem to look at skin color before anything else.
AJCarter
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
In Response to DHarris, DHarris claims it is unfortunate that her son is named in the article. Well, she fails to mention that she has been actively seeking media attention and has already allowed her son's name be released. Right after the incident SHE called the AnnArbor.com. Son, Will Harris and Mrs. Harris were shown on the channel 7 news, WXYZ.com. There, one can see the photo that SHE took (and released) of her son's laceration requiring 5 stitches. DHarris is doubtful that overcharging of Students A & B is a case of racial injustice because her son is Black (Mrs. Harris is Caucasian). DHarris's son is listed as White on the police report. How did that happen? Some do believe that that in itself could have changed the sequence of events. What if he had been noted as an African American student? Most alarming: DHarris claims that one of A2SOS members verbally attacked her and the AParker. Not true again. First of all, AParker left the courtroom immediately after his testimony. He looked very anxious to leave. He was not attacked physically or verbally. Secondly, who was this supposed person who Mrs. Harris states attacked them? Court watchers and members of the PHS football team left the courthouse after the Referee announced her decision and BEFORE the Harris family. NO ONE from A2SaveOurSons spoke to her or her family. In fact, they had not formed themselves until after the miscarriage of justice that day.
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
Also it seems no one has considered the example these students see on national television. Last week Canada and Mexico professional baseball players duked it out on national television. Several players were complicit in "felonious assaults". Not one will be disciplined by police or the league involved.... yet these young boys should bear full responsibility for their actions despite their status as high school students. Makes perfect sense! Do the crime, do the time!
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
If this article demonstrates anything, it's that AnnArbor.com is proof positive that history in this country is dictated by those in power and those in power are largely white. I'm fairly certain I've been one of the few minority voices heard in this forum and I've received a resounding negative reception. White privilege manifests itself and rears its ugly head again. You can simply choose to ignore minority input altogether and downvote it to the ends of the earth and there are no consequences. What if minorities had the ability to completely ignore white voices without consequence?
Usual Suspect
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 6:11 p.m.
" I'm fairly certain I've been one of the few minority voices heard in this forum and I've received a resounding negative reception." If you're wrong, you're wrong, regardless of what color you are. People disagree with your opinion. Get over it... and without crying "racism!"
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
Continue your groupthink parade! Downvote away!
harry b
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
Hollingsworth said there's a lot of concern about young black men making up a disproportionate amount of the criminal population. The students got caught up in the brawl, and the criminal charges against them seem to be over the top, she said If she had young men (black or white take your pick) kicking her in the face, I wonder if she would want them prosecuted? Or would she say, just dont do it again.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:49 p.m.
AnnArbor.com: "As of Friday, a Facebook page for Save Our Sons had 75 likes." What AnnArbor.com does not report: the petition has 520 signatures.
Usual Suspect
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.
http://www.annarbor.com/sports/high-school/online-petition-black-teens-football-brawl/
PineyWoodsGuy
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:58 a.m.
I Agree with Hollingsworth. No Broken Bones. No Blood. Just a bunch of testosterone teen boys geeked up in a football game. Supporting their coach! What is the Pros Aty office thinking? This prosecution is Really Terrible! Makes me want to Puke! I will do whatever I can to oppose this Transgression of "Justice."
Robert E.
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
Did you read the post above US??????? The kid who was kicked is black NOT white...
Usual Suspect
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
Only if it's a white kid getting kicked, I guess.
harry b
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
So your ok with someone kicking you in the face when your down?
flygirl87
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:52 a.m.
The bottom line is, all parties involved should have been held responsible. It started with the coaches, and they should be ASHAMED of themselves for not controlling their tempers!!!! It's a D--- game, and what poor examples of coaches the district has and It's not just football!!! They both should have been charged as well, yet one still teaches at Huron!!! The ADs at both schools need to make better choices when hiring and the friend factor shouldn't matter. The ADs cover-up a lot of stuff that goes on with coaches and some of these coaches think that they don't have to answer to anybody. SOME OF THEM THINK THAT THEY ARE (GOD)!!! So, if the ADs want to coverup all the foolishness that goes on with these coaches, I SAY LETS GET RID OF THEM!!! Maybe a fresh start is what we need for the district.
hoopsfan
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 3:36 a.m.
You are right. Too much bad behavior by coaches in this area. Coaches are supposed to be role models for the student athletes. In too many situations this year, the poor behavior of coaches lead to poor behavior and sportsmanship by the players. And I'm not talking about all coaches, but there were a few incidents covered by aa.com that were embarrassing to the whole area.
Usual Suspect
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
"They both should have been charged as well" Charged with what crime? Can you elaborate (and justify it)?
irjp77
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 4:38 a.m.
If this were a simple issue of facing the consequences of your actions then where are the other 37 student defendants? Or was it 67 defendants? And where are the consequences for the coaches? If 40-70 people were fighting why we're only 3 committing assault?
kathy coles
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
Not all of the kids were fighting after the game and only a select few were swinging a dangerous weapon and kicking another person in the face. Bottom line these 3 that are being prosecuted chose to do this, just like the kids that did not fight chose to. These young men need to be held responsible for their actions. Nobody put that crutch in the hands of one of them, he for one reason or another chose to do this. Nobody forced them to kick another person in the face, he chose to do that. I prefer to have these young men held accountable for their actions now, then for them to do something later in life even more devastating and then we wonder why did this happen? Is there something we could have done?
thecompound
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 3:59 a.m.
This 'Save Our Sons' group can hoot and holler all they like, but in the end, it is the three young men alone who will face the consequences of their actions, meanwhile, the group will move along looking for another cause du jour. I just hope the young men are getting good legal advice...
Usual Suspect
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 6:16 p.m.
That's good, irijp77. They are entitled by law to that representation and I believe every citizen should have it. At the same time, as the citizens, we are entitled to have people accused of felonies tried and, if found guilty, punished.
irjp77
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 4:41 a.m.
Glad you asked, we aren't hooting and hollering we are working to secure adequate representation & raising funds to pay for that representation.
Robert E.
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:59 a.m.
Wow...the ignorance and inability of adults to on this post to think critically beyond their own self interest is stunning...nothing but sarcasm and ridicule...unreal...
jackdaniels
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:08 a.m.
So just because it just so happens the three students caught on video committing these criminal acts, are rightly charged with what they did, this gives reason for the color community to cry racism? really? I dont care if you boy, girl, black, white, Spanish, Portuguese. Your ethnicity plays no role in how you should be treated in the justice system. If it were any other way, I would STILL support the charges. I'm sick of people thinking they need to advocate for this crap.
Dante
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:22 a.m.
Color community! WOW
jackdaniels
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:12 a.m.
BTW, I am not saying i support/oppose the schools decision to pursue this, just that the fact is we need to stop this racial crap.
FreedomSpeech
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:49 a.m.
John Newman Mitchum's words never rang truer... http://youtu.be/_fuzLTrwVbc & Texas aside... http://youtu.be/Q-a7KPmOnok
radioboi
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
People are focusing on the wrong thing; yes the young men did commit a felony and should be punished. If they where white young men people would say don't ruin their futures by charging them with a felony and the situation likely would be dealt with in house. This is why there are accusations of prejudice.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 3:29 a.m.
And there you'd be wrong. We would express outrage if two white men stomped on the face of another man and it went unpunished. I'm not sure why you'd think we'd want people like that free in our community.
Debbie Harris
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
The Harris Family Appreciates the Support Shown In These comments. It Is Unfortunate That My Sons Name Is Printed In ThIs Article, Especially Since He Was And Is, A Juvenile Victim And Witness In This Case. But The Two Young Men Charged Are Protected with Anonymity. To Those Questioning If This Is A Racial Injustice.....My Son, The One Who Was Purposely Kicked In The face, Is Black. I Am very Disappointed That Our School Board Has Decided To Involve Itself At This Point.....We Have Never Heard From Anyone At The District. Now, They Want To Investigate And Spend Valuable Time In A Legal Matter. Perhaps They Should Be Focusing On Their Failure To Graduate The Black Males In Our District, Which I Know At One Time Was Averaging 50%. Why Is The Board Willing To Negate My Sons Rights And Fail To Support Him? We Have Three More Court Dates This Month For This, Which We Dread More Than You Know. After The Last Court Appearance, We Had To Be Escorted From The Court House Out A Back Door After Being Harassed by The family And "Supporters" Of The Young Man Charged. Mr. Parker, The Other Witness Named In The Article, Was Verbally Attacked And Called "Uncle Tom" By These Same Supporters. Isn't That Racist? So To The "Save Our Sons" Group....If You Want To Save Your Son(S) Perhaps Start By Not Yelling Uncle Tom In The Hallway Of The Courthouse, And Quit Misleading The Public And Making False Cries Of Racism. My Son Is Black.....So I Guess He Was Targeted Because Of That? Did your Sons Pass By White Students To Intentionally Assault A Black Student? Anyone Interested In Supporting My Son In This Case Can Also Reach Out To The Judges Listed In The Article, ConTact The School Board, And Contact Us For Court Hearing Information. We Do Not Have A community Group Behind Us, Or Professors being Quoted, Or Facebook Pages. Just us.
swimthis
Fri, Mar 15, 2013 : 4:54 a.m.
@aj carter. You have some nerve to question the motives of a mother who has seen her child beaten only for aaps to look the other way. I don't see rallies or petitions for her son so she has every right to stand up for him. No one else seems to be and it's disgusting that the boe would rather go to bat for the perps but show no interest in her child. Ms. Harris as far as I'm concerned you've shown far more restraint and control than most parents in this situation would. I'd be blowing the media up over this BS. aaps receives state and federal funding and tax payers need to know who the brain trust behind all of this is.
AJCarter
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
In Response to DHarris, DHarris claims it is unfortunate that her son is named in the article. Well, she fails to mention that she has been actively seeking media attention and has already allowed her son's name be released. Right after the incident SHE called the AnnArbor.com. Son, Will Harris and Mrs. Harris were shown on the channel 7 news, WXYZ.com. There, one can see the photo that SHE took (and released) of her son's laceration requiring 5 stitches. DHarris is doubtful that overcharging of Students A & B is a case of racial injustice because her son is Black (Mrs. Harris is Caucasian). DHarris's son is listed as White on the police report. How did that happen? Some do believe that that in itself could have changed the sequence of events. What if he had been noted as an African American student? Most alarming: DHarris claims that one of A2SOS members verbally attacked her and the AParker. Not true again. First of all, AParker left the courtroom immediately after his testimony. He looked very anxious to leave. He was not attacked physically or verbally. Secondly, who was this supposed person who Mrs. Harris states attacked them? Court watchers and members of the PHS football team left the courthouse after the Referee announced her decision and BEFORE the Harris family. NO ONE from A2SaveOurSons spoke to her or her family. In fact, they had not formed themselves until after the miscarriage of justice that day.
kathy coles
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.
For those of you that are questioning the color of his skin, I would think his mother would know. As far as her releasing her son's name and picture to the media, channel 7 used info from police reports and probably Ann Arbor.com. Is that all you got out of her posting? It seems that one should be more concerned that her child was injured and that while some on our school board are rallying behind the 3 accused instead of supporting the victim. Also, it appears that these 3 students and their supporters/family are racist also if they are calling Mr. Parker Uncle Tom. Bottom line, these kids were accused of doing something criminal and they will all have their day in court, and it doesn't matter the color of their skin. If they did something criminal they will be found quilts and will suffer the consequences of their actions.
concerned
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
I have a real concern for all four of these students, including the victim. I am a little curious about Ms. Harris' concern about anonymity when she agreed to release his name and picture to the Channel 7 news video after the 'Football Brawl'.
Sammy Dog
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:40 a.m.
Interestingly, your son is listed as White on the police report, isn't he?
Claude Kershner
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:08 a.m.
I'm stunned that the same Board of Education members who are screaming injustice to those charged have not reached out to you and your family. It speaks volumes about who they are and their view of the world. You in particular (and we as a community) deserve infinitely more from those elected to represent us all.
kathy coles
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:02 a.m.
Harris family, you know we have you and the rest of the families back - we have since this all started. We have known you guys since the boys were little and we know first hand what a great kid Will is. I find it amazing that the school board is willing to defend these kids who chose to do a criminal action, but not defend someone who was the victim.
music to my ear
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:13 a.m.
I ditto Genetracy, they have caused your family far to much pain .time to hold them accountable, good luck to you and your family.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:46 p.m.
Thank You Mrs Harris. There is more truth and honesty in what you wrote than in all of the articles written by the hack writers of A2.com regarding this incident. I noticed the A2.com writers do a great job of portraying the arrested as the "victims" in all of this, like their lives have been ruined. You and your family are brave for standing up to these thugs, their parents, and supporters. I hope you have talked to an attorney about a lawsuit against the school district.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 9:10 p.m.
An extremely brave and wise post, Debbie. Thank you.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
I'm sorry you and your family have to endure this. It's not right. The entire community, black and white, has let you down.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 7:50 p.m.
Where are The Justice Brothers when you need them! OK, that was s trick question - you never need those two fools.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 6:59 p.m.
In a previous article. was not board member Susan Baskett the one who referred to the players involved in the brawl as "babies"?
Danielle Arndt
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.
http://www.annarbor.com/news/trustees-request-to-review-football-brawl-investigative-materials-policies-leads-to-board-discourse/
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
The damage well-meaning people like Hollinsgworth cause to the black community are far greater, even, than getting hit with a metal crutch.
Bruce W
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:46 p.m.
It's only racial because the kids are black, if white kids had done the same thing and were caught on video doing it to a black kid it would be called a hate crime and blacks would want them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Why can't we just prosecute people for their actions without race being brought up? Did white kids kick someone in the head while they were on the ground and not get charged? If kids don't know right from wrong and they act like animals they end up in jail due to THEIR ACTIONS, no-one forced them to kick someone in the head.
Dante
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
I read these comments, but why are the coaches not charged. This was a very emotional and volitile game. The coaches started this melee and should hold some accountability. There were many punches thrown. Were any of those kids charged with assault? The coaches started this riot. As far as I know that ia a crime. Same as yelling fire in a crowded building. This entire case was mishandled by all parties. These three young men are being made examples of. No one can discount that. Out of everyone on that field running and scrambling around you can not tell me they are the only three that did anything illegal. It may not be a race issue, but something is very wrong. Only three out of nearly 100 people committed a crime that night?
Usual Suspect
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.
Sure fights start from less. But that doesn't excuse anything. Nobody forced anybody to fight. Everybody who got involved in the fight did so as a result of a choice they made. People who got involved made the wrong decision and should be accountable for their actions. Those who chose not go get involved in a fight - and this includes the coaches - are not experiencing any negative consequences at this time. There were probably more. However, in order for more changed to be brought, there must be enough evidence.
Dante
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:20 a.m.
Usual Suspect fights start from less. In a combative sport you see it all the time. After a humiliating loss and the coaches being out of order. It is not about race it is about accountability. They are young and impresionable. So basically. There shoul be more than these 3. There were more. Plus AAPS and the AAPD handled all of this situation wrong.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
No. A bunch of yelling by the coaches and single push - one that was deemed to be defensive in nature - does not start a brawl where people get spiked in the face and smacked with a weapon. The brawlers started the brawl. Nobody made them do it. They were willing participants, not the victims of some trick to get them to fight against their will.
hoopsfan
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5 p.m.
Is the kid who got stomped and kicked in the face a black student? Seems the "community" would want to protect and support him too? I can only imagine the outcry if the kids who did the kicking and stomping were white and the student who was injured was black. I bet we would have a totally different reaction. It's an old and weak response to poor behavior. Even when there is no doubt, scream racism.
Basic Bob
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.
Sally, your comment does not apply if both the assailant and the victim are black. Jesse and Al are powerless to stop that kind of violence.
Debbie Harris
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.
Yes, The Kid Who Was Stomped In The Face Is Black. yet No "Community" Support Groups Are reaching Out To Him.
Silly Sally
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:46 p.m.
If the kid who has the injured face were black, Jesse would be here by now, and Al Sharpton.
Joe Kidd
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
I am shocked and amazed at this, particularly of the comments by a professor at U of M. First, it is atrocious that race has even entered this issue. "...it's important for people in the community to notice the only three people charged in the brawl are black students." If she has some information that white students did the same behavior and were not charged, lets hear it. Does she believe that black students who break the law should get some sort of immunity over caucasian or other races? "I haven't heard anyone who disagrees with how easy it is for young people, who feel they're helping out their coaches in an emotional moment, to get involved in that kind of brawl," she said." How is taking a crutch and whacking a player and kicking him in the face repeatedly an act of helping out your coach? I have never heard Mr. Harris was involved in an attack of the opposing coach. "Part of the discussion at the forum revolved around unintentional bias, Hollingsworth said." What the heck is "unintentional bias?" Bias, racism, discrimination are not unintentional. Or has someone invented a new term so that people can claim racism as unintentional racism even though you were not racist. You were unintentionally racist, but you need a social worker to tell you that. This is a red herring at its finest and reminds me of the story of the boy who called wolf.
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.
This exposes the potentially willful ignorance of an entire generation. OF COURSE bias and discrimination occur unintentionally. It's no wonder so many white people are so defensive when it comes to even bringing up the issue of race. If you think all bias and racial discrimination MUST be intentional, then you're going to feel indicted and respond defensively EVERY time racial discrimination is pointed out. Take some classes seriously.... people don't consciously choose to make racist decisions at the same rate as they used to in this country. It's the subconscious, systematic forms that must now be rooted out.
Lovaduck
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
I was waiting for this approach. The issue should be "are they guilty or not guilty?", not are they African American or not! If they were singled out ONLY for their skin color, while obviously guilty white students got away with no penalty then naturally an injustice was done; but I see no reason to believe this is true.
Ricebrnr
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
Ok so if the accused are NOT charged because of their race, what's that called again?
genetracy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:29 p.m.
Sad to say, the Save our Sons crowd would see that as justice.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
Some allege prejudice in everything they see.
Joe Kidd
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:57 p.m.
I suppose that keeps them employed.
stevek
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
So this so called "racism" will cause the students to have their futures ruined--not the fact that they committed a crime. Grow up. Take responsibility for your actions. Quit blaming other forces for your own failures.
sheepyd
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
Oh Robert Granville, not even a hint of personal responsibility in all of your ranting. No acknowledgement that you or these young men made a mistake or broke the law. The true racism in this story is that we aren't talking about the problems of violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, father-less homes, poor education, welfare abuse and all of the other problems facing the african community. You see Mr Granville you can blame the white people for your problems but at the end of the day there are two undeniable facts, these young men decided to curb stomp another human being and you chose to possess marijuana. There are consequences for our actions and the fact that sometimes those consequences are dealt out evenly doesn't absolve you from the fact that you are the reason you were arrested and charged, same with these young men who didn't just "brawl" they tried to seriously injure other people. Time to grow up and man up to your mistakes, otherwise your just the little kid crying over spilled milk.
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
If I were white, I never would've had to face the consequences of my actions. That's the point. I did the same thing as the white young men who skated. I have no problem with the rule of law... if it applies to everyone... but it doesn't.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:25 p.m.
+10 for sheepyd
local
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
Couldn't agree more! And the more folks try to say it is racism, the bigger the divide we are creating. When you commit a crime, consequences must be handed down. The fact is, these kids are young and can learn from this after dealing with the judicial consequences that may be coming down.
Ron Burgandy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
How come there wasn't this much "public outcrying" for the Huron player who was repeatedly kicked in the face, in a thug-like manner, and sent to the hospital? Let's all rally around the accused and forget about the victim, eh? The poor Huron player could have been killed or left with a more serious life altering injury.
C. Montgomery Burns
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
The true injustice in this entire episode is that the two head coaches who started this melee, were allowed to resign from their coaching positions, and not fired! One of which is still employed by the AAPS teaching students! That's the saddest part.
Ricardo Queso
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:27 a.m.
Why should they be charged? The individual in question was an adult at the time.
Morty Seinfeld
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
Right out of the infamous Coleman A. Young Playbook.....cry racism, no matter how guilty you are.
Billy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
You know what happens when you cry discrimination when it's beyond obvious that there was none? Do you know what you look like when you scream racism and we have VIDEO proving it's not? Yeah.....
Cendra Lynn
Thu, May 9, 2013 : 2:30 a.m.
What happens seems to be that many members of the socially dominant race get angry.
jpud
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
This would be a much more compelling story if there was an example of a non-African American student who stomped someone on the head while they were on the ground, or a non-African American student who used a potentially lethal weapon in the brawl and now was not being prosecuted. As it stands, drawing attention to the race of the alleged perpetrators who were identified by a multi-racial police force as the suspects only serves to perpetuate and reinforce racial stereotypes.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
It doesn't matter. All these race-baiters need is the presence of one white person - on the field or in the police department or anywhere within a ten-mile radius - to feel justified in crying, "Racism!"
Billy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:47 p.m.
" As it stands, drawing attention to the race of the alleged perpetrators who were identified by a multi-racial police force as the suspects only serves to perpetuate and reinforce racial stereotypes." This bears repeating over and over again in regards to this case. There's an irony in the fact that stomping your feet and decrying racism in this case is actually making a case for racism and helps verify stereotypes...
towncryer
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.
So what does the board think of one of their employees, Coach Parker and his statements to police? He just made them up or exaggerated? Or is he part of the conspiracy?
Robert Granville
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2 p.m.
I guarantee if all students involved were White, both schools would likely work to keep punishment in-house. "Boys will be boys." The potential for racism in cases like these lies in the perception of violent actions. I doubt many would argue with me that the actions of Blacks are perceived as more aggressive than the same actions carried out by Whites. The research lays it plain. If you're having a really hard time buying anything I'm saying hit up Google and try to find a case in which white students were charged with felonies following a high school sports fight. School fights don't often end in the prosecutor's office.
jcj
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
Mr Granville Given the percentage of the players that are black it would be hard to imagine all the students involved being white!
Skyjockey43
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 6:22 p.m.
Mr Granville, while you're googling, you might want to look up the names Reade Seligman, Colin Finnerty, and David Evans. See how they were treated when they were FALSELY accused of a rape that never happened. Then tell me about how different white boys are treated when the alleged victim is black.
Basic Bob
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:13 p.m.
Why wasn't the punishment kept in house? Because of the incompetence of the school system. Certainly if it was a rich white hockey player, charges would be dropped. But there are plenty of white kids who would end up in the same predicament if they committed these acts.
Joe Kidd
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:04 p.m.
I would argue with your opinion that the actions of Blacks are perceived as more aggressive than the same actions carried out by Whites. I find that completely untrue. People are equally appalled at this type of behavior regardless of who does it. School fights do occur and end up in the principals office, but those assaults do not reach the level of violence this one did. If you do not act properly when something like this occurs, what does that tell the offender? It tells them they can get away with it. Ya think that will keep them from repeating?
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.
"School fights don't often end in the prosecutor's office." It's a felony. It's the prosecutor's business regardless of whether the school wants it that way. That's according to our laws, which apply on the street downtown as well as on the football field at school.
FredMax
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
Nice bluff. Either that or you are Google challenged.
FredMax
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
I almost forgot after reading that; did they swing a crutch like a weapon and kick someone in the face?
Brad
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Curiously the photo of the crutch-swinging incident doesn't appear with the article. That seems curious since given that it is so central to what is being discussed.
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:38 p.m.
Don't do the felonious crime if you can't do the felonious time.
Brad
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
It there is a player of any race who took a two-hand swing at someone using a crutch they should be charged identically. AAPS - if you hadn't lost control of this situation early on this wouldn't even be happening. Don't try to project your failure onto the prosecutor's office.
Basic Bob
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
I bet the police and prosecutor would have stayed out if the school had handled the discipline. The school failed - the coach, athletic director, principal, and central administration all failed.
Robert Granville
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
Ann Arbor is a progressive town in many ways but when it comes to identifying racial bias, the town falls far short. It's as if all these bright Michigan grads simply chose to delete the white privilege and racism parts of their education. I'm willing to bet that most Michigan grads know that African Americans are charged, convicted and incarcerated at much higher rates than White people for the same offenses. That kind of abstract acknowledgement is tolerated... but applying that to an individual case? Nope.
Robert E.
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
Spot on RG...excellent point and my thoughts exactly...the lack of any semblance of "critical consciousness" in most of these posts is shocking and extremely disappointing...thank you for your courage in speaking out against this ignorant nonsense...
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:12 p.m.
I would never embellish my story. It would distract from my purpose entirely. You can still find news stories on google. I used to attend Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Myself and another black former student still have felonies. Everyone else arrested that year are now considered law-abiding american citizens with clean criminal records. Additionally, the white students were arrested with other drugs. They were my friends so I'll leave it at that.
James Socrates
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 4 a.m.
Yes, you are correct. African Americans are charged and convicted and commit far more crimes then their hispanic, white, pacific islander, or american indian counterparts. IF one looks at the descrpecies in economics, education, family struture., etc. one sees enormous discrpencies between african americans and caucasions. Considering that poverty, broken families, lack of education/quality of education significantly increase a communities predisposition to crime, one sees that the higher crime rate among african americans is not suprising. Indeed, it would be suprising if it wasnt higher. This is not a judgemental statement. It simply highlights that for a host of historial, social, economic, and cultural issues, african american males are far more likely to commit criminal acts. One might use the example of why men commit the vast majority of violent crimes as opposed. Society can never provide equality. We all have different backgrounds, finances, opportunities, intelligence levels etc. Equality only exists when we treat others as our equals. The rest of it, is simply noise.
Jim Osborn
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:28 a.m.
Robert Granville. Thanks for sharing your experiences, especially the earlier ones when you replied to my posting. While I am usually not soft on crime at all, a handful of pot in a dorm room is so petty. Even if it had been cocaine, and you had been a known dealer, to have "4 undercover officers came into your dorm with weapons drawn and trained on your head" is excessive. It is an over escalation of force. If you are correct that there were over a dozen more police officers outside, putting on a show for all to see as they dragged you away, and then no bail, I can understand why this would build strong resentment. Is there more to the story, or is this how it happened? If your story is true, not embellished, and common amongst other young black men, then I can certainly see why many young black men would so dislike police and the criminal justice system. I'm intrigued. It certainly is not a good policing method
Ricardo Queso
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.
Malarkey as you chosen VP is apt to say.
PastorIan
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 9:16 p.m.
Amen, Robert. This is the first comment on this forum I have seen that takes the issue of systemic (and sometimes unconscious, but no less devastating) racism seriously. Thank you!
thecompound
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
With all the problems AAPS is facing for ALL students, if this board wastes time on this "resolution", I think that will just show how truly out of touch the BOE is with its ENTIRE population! This board is beginning to show a pattern of valuing one student population above all others and it sickens me. They do not need to stick their collective noses in this.
genetracy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:06 p.m.
Good idea Joe. Hey Kyle, How about a mention of the victims' race? Or does your editor prohibit that in cases of black on white crime?
average joe
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:51 p.m.
The central tone of this story is that these young men (plus the coach who was fired) are being treated unfairly because they are African American. I would like to know what is the race of the 'victims'......... If we are focusing on the color of one's skin, then why doesn't the story cover this as well?
Jim Osborn
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
I attended that football game, the first since I was in high school I saw the crutch being swung by Garain. It was definitely a crime, I thought, at the time, a weapon intended to hurt. Garain and the other 2 are charged because of their actions, not their race. I saw someone, alleged to be him, swing a metal pole that could hit someone's head. Another is said to be one of the persons who kicked a fallen player several times in the face, exacerbated while wearing football cleats. Are we, as a society to just ignore these actions, as Leslie Hollingsworth suggests? I agree that the police coming to the home to arrest the boys is ridiculous. These suspects should have been asked to come to the station, with mommy and daddy, and charged. So should most people who are charged with minor crimes. The police should come to the home to arrest only in they do not cooperate. Back up officers? Insulting and unneeded. What if he did run? Was he a dangerous felon? No. They knew where to find him. Then after being arrested he might need to spend the night in jail? Over the top. This is the sort of thing that should be decided ahead of time, perhaps by a judge and prosecutor, if a person to be arrested needs bail or just a promise to appear. These guys should have come to the station and promised to appeared, not humiliated before their neighbors with 4 cops. All that was missing was a police dog. That was over the top. I'd be so mad, if I were them. After all, they are still innocent.
Robert Granville
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 5:21 p.m.
I should've also mentioned that my roommate was complicit in my activities. He was not arrested during the raid, only questioned. Later he was indicted, but they felt it unnecessary to arrest him at the time. I do believe an arrest warrant was eventually issued, but by that time he was back in his home state and allowed to appear in court of his own will. Can you guess the difference between myself and my roommate?
easy123
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:56 a.m.
@Robert Granville So you are telling me you have seen a bunch of Asian kids taking part in this activity. Take a look at how much time is spent on studies. The purpose of the school to be an OUTSTANDING CITIZEN. What part of this behaviour is acceptable to you irrespective of the race.
Ricardo Queso
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 12:21 a.m.
Guess you should not have been in possession Robert. Take ownership else you are in for a rough life.
Silly Sally
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 6 p.m.
@Robert Granville. Thanks for sharing your experiences. People do stereotype, and actions by these three only reinforce an already negative one. It may not be fair, but it is human nature. When I was in college, many grew pot in their dorm rooms, and th only one arrested was someone who moved a 3 foot tall pot plant growing in a dorm watebasket in an elevator, during parents weekend, while a police office was in the lobby with parents. What was the poor officer to do? Other that that, no one was ever arrested. The police said that it was a waste of time. How unfair for you.
Billy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:41 p.m.
"I agree that the police coming to the home to arrest the boys is ridiculous." I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement. Do you know why? " Another is said to be one of the persons who kicked a fallen player several times in the face, exacerbated while wearing football cleats." Stomping on someones head....that is good enough reason....period. This is why you take the kid gloves off at a certain age. These kids behaved in this manner because of how they were raised. They were allowed to slide repeatedly....otherwise they would have never gotten to this point. Stomping on someones head deserves a criminal record.....being a "kid" is no excuse...especially when you're a "kid" highschooler.
Robert Granville
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:43 p.m.
Forgot to mention... their charges were eventually wiped clean. Mine? Nope. I wasn't allowed into the youthful offender program. The prosecutors and detectives would not allow it. Today I remain a felon. All the rest of the guys arrested at the time now have clean records and bachelors degrees from the school we were attending. I am not so fortunate and I'm not afraid to stand up and say why.
Robert Granville
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
It seems that you understand that their treatment was disrespectful and unusual but you don't seem to understand why. This is typical treatment of African-Americans in the justice system. Research shows that we're perceived as more aggressive, more suspicious, more animalistic in our behavior.... that translates into police and prosecutorial misconduct. I know this from empiricism and personal experience. I was once arrested on felony marijuana counts for less pot than can fill the palm of your hand. 4 undercover officers came into my dorm with weapons drawn and trained on my head and i was lead out in front of the student population in cuffs. Outside more than 15 officers waited around the building. To them I was an animal that required extreme caution. My bail? 50,000 no 10% The white students also arrested that weekend were taken in quietly and had their bail set at 1,000 with 10%. Their charges were more severe than mine yet somehow they determine that I was more dangerous and shouldn't be able to bail out. That somehow? That's racism.
local
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
It might be important to realize that when the video was dissected by law enforcement these three young men were the ones committing the crimes. I think that trying to make this a race issue is once again making things worse, not better for our community. The conversation needs to be, how can we keep our young kids (any race) from doing things that they should know is against the law. These three young adult have to realize that their are consequences for their actions. I think people like Mrs. Hollingsworth want to do the right thing in opening up dialogue, but I think her topic is wrong and just divides people more. Should these three young men get no consequences because they are African American? What would Mrs. Hollingsworth and even our BOE like to see happen with these three young adults committing a crime on video? If these kids were white, would we be having this discussion at all?
Cendra Lynn
Thu, May 9, 2013 : 2:24 a.m.
Seems pretty hard for people to simply agree that when three blacks and no whites are charged, it is racially unbalanced.
motorcycleminer
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Throw the punch you pay the price...race has nothing to do with it ...typical OZonian sheeple response...
jcj
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
Leslie Hollingsworth, who is among those working to raise awareness of the case in the community, said it's important for people in the community to notice the only three people charged in the brawl are black students It might also be important to notice the percentage of black students on the teams!
Robert E.
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
MS gimme a break with your patronizing nonsense...neither Dr. Hollingsworth nor myself are condoning what anyone did on the field that day...she's asking if it makes sense for kids to be punished to the extent that it potentially destroys their future...your blindness to race having anything to do with the points she is making shows significant ignorance...you have no perspective...
James Socrates
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 3:40 a.m.
I think this topic does merit discussion. Its clear that this was unacceptable by both coaches and youth. What upsets me is blatant racisim that exists in segregating student punishment based on race. The three students were charged based on the nature of their actions not their race. FOne only need watch the video to see a certain young man cowardly leveling his crutch on a downed player like an axe into wood. The players race didnt even enter my mind until the news began reporting on it. The question Ms. Hollingsworth should be asking is not why the only three players charged were black, but rather, why these three players exhibited far greater violence to necessitate that charge.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
Yes, two white men yelled at each other. In the heat of the moment, a proper reaction is knocking a stranger over and stomping on his face. Robert, your words indicate less respect for black people than anything else I've read in a long time. You and Ms. Hollingsworth do more to perpetuate negative stereotypes than anyone.
Robert E.
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:54 a.m.
No she is a prestigious social work scholar btw silly silly sally...you have no idea what you're talkin about...stop it...jcj...she's well aware of the racial makeup of the teams...she's making a larger point about the disproportionate prosecution of black males in our society and trying to get adults to remember these are kids who were acting in the heat of the moment over something their WHITE coaches started...good Lord people please...
Silly Sally
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:53 p.m.
She is a racist who mostly sees people through the prism of race, not by the content of their character
observer
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
I thought the investigation was complete. Why is this incident still in the news.....how does race factor into the charging of the case.....did someone make the players fight.....enough already......
HB11
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
"Some allege prejudice in charging of students" Some are wrong. Watch the video.
Brad
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:40 p.m.
And "some" think Elvis is walking around Kalamazoo. "Some" is the construct used by writers who want to mask the true numbers of whatever they are talking about and just convey that "there are two sides to every story".
antikvetch
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:51 a.m.
Undoubtedly, this article will "help foster a candid dialogue about race and America's racial history". Or generate site hits. Six of one......
glimmertwin
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 10:27 a.m.
Oh goodie, another race card story to follow.
a2citizen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
"another race card story to follow". Six words - very good. http://www.annarbor.com/news/6-words-to-describe-race-u-m-is-first-college-in-us-to-join-michele-norris-race-card-project/