Football brawl: Pioneer student with crutch charged with two felonies
This crutch was found midfield following the brawl between Huron and Pioneer football teams Oct. 12. Police believe Garain used a crutch to attack two people.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
An 18-year-old Pioneer High School student was arraigned Tuesday on four assault charges related to the brawl that erupted after a high school football game in October, police confirmed.
Bashir Garain
Courtesy of WSCO
Bashir Traevon Garain, of Ann Arbor, was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, which are felonies, and two counts of assault and battery, which are misdemeanors, in the 15th District Court, according to court records.
Garain is accused of attacking two victims with his crutch during the melee, said Ann Arbor police Lt. Bob Pfannes. The warrant for his arrest was issued Tuesday. Garain turned himself in and pleaded not guilty to the charges, Pfannes said.
Assault-related charges against two juvenile students involved in the incident are pending, Pfannes added. Police could not release any additional information about those cases.
Court records indicate Garain was appointed a public defender in his case and that he was released on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. A preliminary examination is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Garain, a senior, is listed on the Pioneer roster from earlier in the season as a running back. He was injured and helped off the field in the Aug. 24 game against Warren De La Salle, previous AnnArbor.com reports indicate.
District spokeswoman Liz Margolis said Tuesday afternoon school officials had not been notified of the charges. She said she would look into how the district may handle the situation if the student is convicted, but cautioned Garain only has been accused of a crime at this point. She said Garain has the right to go to school, "provided there were no potential issues at the school building that resulted in the charges."
However, the assaults did take place on school grounds, at a school-sanctioned event. Margolis said the district's investigation was closed, and the district intends to take the stance that Garain is innocent until proven guilty. She said the district would handle its response to any criminal charges or convictions of students on a case-by-case basis.
"We don't intend to reopen the investigation. The students involved served what was issued to them by the district and at this point, the district will await the outcome of any legal action and will make a determination at that point," Margolis said. "But right now, he is still eligible to go to school."
AnnArbor.com reporter Danielle Arndt contributed to this story. John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Goodphotographer
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
a pound of flesh?
leonard
Sun, Dec 2, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
It's terrible that this kid is being singled out.now if he was out there by himself swinging his crutch wildly and every one was just standing there looking at him then I can see a charge or two. There was a whole lot more punching and kicking and swinging and stepping on heads going on out there as well.why are these folks not being charged. Thanks coach test for breeding all of this.
Grimey
Sat, Dec 1, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
So many people at fault for their involvement and handling of this mess. What a shame.
say it plain
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
The problem with the argument that the kid should have known to "not jump in and defend him" is that the coaches at Pioneer in particular it seems to me given what else "the research" seems to show about how they run their football program foster an atmosphere of totally inappropriate self-promotion and code of aggressive 'self-defense' against perceived slights or 'disses', you know? That's what seems to be true in how Pioneer has approached scoring in the face of lopsided wins, how they've approached on-field displays with the former employer of an assistant coach (a la the Dexter game), and how they've approached locker-room lessons on 'sportsmanship' according to some. This is not to say that the Huron coach is good at all, but at least he's gone now. I'd like to see AAPS get rid of *everyone* involved, ADs at the two schools included. If they are not minding the stores at their programs that cost the most then they are not 'effective'. Let's see how often this happens if the ADs get canned afterwards.
melissa
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
To all. Please research this story before commenting. There is a post about the other kid that was hurt, stiches to his face if I recall correctly. There is also a video that was not disclosed to the public, with all that said he would not be charged without proof that is valid in court. Just because your coach gets into a fight does not mean you should "jump in and defend him" the kids should have stayed out of it. Sad for everyone involved the entire community in fact.
thecompound
Fri, Nov 30, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
I may be wrong, but i thought the kid received stitches from a cleat and not this crutch...that they were two separate incidents? It doesn't sound like the person who injured the young man who required stitches has been/will be charged? I may be wrong though?
DOMINIC
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
He didnt ATTACK anyone. The kid (Brashir) had a torn ACL/ MCL and was on crutches and DEFENDED himself when TWO students rushed towards him. I would have done the same thing. He is member of the football team and was on the sidelines. IF he wasnt black we wouldnt be talking about this.
thecompound
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
What he did was wrong. He will be a better person in the long run if he accepts accountability (and hopefully it is pled down) and not dwell on the "what about that guy/it's not fair/people are racist" crud that is being spewed here. Yes, it stinks that there was possibly wrongdoing by others, but he will learn a better life lesson if he accepts accountability and doesn't look for excuses, IMO.
Dorchester
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Should the many players on both sides who swung and threw their helmets at each other be charged? Flinging helmets was just as dangerous as the helicopter crutch kid. AAPD needs to drop the charges. There has got to be a better solution.
say it plain
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:15 a.m.
This poor kid is in deep trouble, for doing something very wrong but in a very heated moment.... And it was *all made possible by the AAPS football program*. There's really no way around that. AAPS should be ashamed. Ann Arbor citizens should expect *all* officials involved to 'retire', including Coach Test. And we should question the massive spending on athletics in this time of cutting classroom education down to bare bones. Heck, even if we spend *all* the varsity football money on yoga and track and flag football and figure skating forgoodnesssake, we--and this student charged with a felony because of the football 'scene' included--would be much better off.
AAYpsiSoul
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
I'd like to know where some of these commenters are getting their information. "Thoughtful" and "Jimmyc" for instance are telling us that this boy premeditated the assault (which I don't even understand HOW he could have done since I don't believe the Pioneer coach told the kids hey I'm going to go talk to the Huron Coach and he's going to hit me and start a fight and then you all are going to jump in OK?) They say that he "disguised" himself, that the victim was black, that he hit the victim several times in the head, etc. I haven't found that information on any creditable source about this incident, I also could not find a link to video anywhere where I could try and "see for myself" as was suggested. These statements are rather damning and I'd like to know where you are getting this "information." Especially since you are using this alleged information to prosecute this boy in the court of public opinion.
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
"IF this boy did hit anyone with the crutches he was using in order to walk and swung it at someone" Yeah, when I used crutches once when I broke an ankle, that's how it looked when I walked - they were swinging all around in the air.
AAYpsiSoul
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
Ok, JimmyC so that article stated that the boy (Will Harris) was kicked int he face with cleats by one student and then swung at with a crutch by a different student. No where did it say that he was hit multiple times with the crutch. It also said that a video tape clearly showed who the two boys are.... so where are the charges for the boy who kicked him in the face and caused the cut that he needed stitches for? Why only prosecute 1 boy and not the other?
Jimmyc
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
YpsiSoul there was an article originally about the assault with a picture of the victim and his statements about being hit several times with the crutch. http://www.annarbor.com/sports/high-school/mhsaa-suspends-huron-and-pioneer-head-football-coaches-ann-arbor-public-schools-silent-on-actions/www.annarbor.com/sports/high-school/mother-of-huron-player-injured-in-brawl-its-just-terrible/
AAYpsiSoul
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
JimmyC -you are right it was "Thoughtful" that said it was premeditated amongst other things. My issue with your statements is that you said that "He used it (the crutch) to swing at and then smash the head (several times) of the victim." How do you know that? What is your source? And that the victim was Black, how do you know that as well? I haven't found any information about the alleged victims being published let alone their ethnicity or even the extent of their wounds.
Jimmyc
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
I actually did not say it was premeditated. I said it was elevated - beyond that of what the coaches did.
Pihi
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.
Gotta love Webster
AAYpsiSoul
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
IF this boy did hit anyone with the crutches he was using in order to walk and swung it at someone it STILL does not live up to the definition of Premeditation... pre·med·i·ta·tion n. 1. The act of speculating, arranging, or plotting in advance. 2. Law: The contemplation of a crime well enough in advance to show deliberate intent to commit the crime; forethought.
Ownit
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
Yup IF that's what happened.
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
If you take a crutch in your hand in anger and swing it at somebody's head, that's premeditation. There is a time period in there where you have the option to put it down, and you decide not to.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
Simple, it's not premeditated. This kid was on crutches, if he were planning wouldn't he picked a time where he was more agile and had the added protections of helmets and pads?
Dexter Man
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
Why is the race card played here ?
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Because Ann Arbor has an overabundance of liberals, and that's how liberals think.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
Because its a factor.
AAYpsiSoul
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
Likely because many people doubt that if Bashir was a middle class or upper class white boy in Ann Arbor that he would have been charged with two felonious counts of assault with a deadly weapon. It would probably have been handled internally within the school system or he would've been given a slap on the wrist (ie only the misdemeanor charges) and A2 parents would have made sure of that, instead they are asking for the fullest punishment allowed by the court system.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
Well I guess this would be a bad time to state that a Huron player on crutches also swung and hit a student....no charges?
tellit
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.
Yea I was thinking about this also....
Goodphotographer
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
Sometimes it's best to just observe and say "My name is Wess and I'm not in this Mess".
easy123
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
Sorry - some spelling errors - would like some kind of mechanism to be able to edit after the fact. :)
easy123
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
This is amazing- everyone seems to have their --- in a ringer. Why have we put so much emphasis on Football. Who really cares anymore- very few kids\families show up because of the "gangsta" mindset. No matter what you say, you will never get a mojority of the parent/kids to come to the event because of this behaviour. Might as well shut the programs down - given the amount of effort, money put into something that seems to mean very little to a significant number of kids. Finally, why not place the same outrage on the lack of participation in the actual classes/programs. Have you actually taken a look at the AP classes - and see the demographics in the class. They are completely skewed.. Call it "racist" but you will see minimal presence of AA kids. Guess who will inherit the future - these 1%. Keep crying about this game and the action s of the players and coaches. They may not even be qualified to work at Mcdonalds..
DNB
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
"Have you actually taken a look at the AP classes - and see the demographics in the class." Actually, have you? All students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams at Pioneer, or any of the high schools in A2. The AP participation rate at Pioneer High School is ~ 41 percent.
Don
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
Wow It was a normal football brawl. I dont think this kid should be going through this when there were a million people involved. I dont think he would be going through this if he wasnt african american
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
I agree
Alden
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
Hitting someone with an object can cause great harm, but being convicted of a felony can also ruin your life and definitely dramatically limits what you may do with your life. My hope is that all those involved with this case will do all they can to see that this young many receives whatever help he needs so as to not harm others in the future without being so punitive that it is crushing for him or his family.
towncryer
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
I mostly agree with what you are saying. I would agree fully if it were not for the students and race-baiters commenting and trying to excuse his actions.
Tim Hornton
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
Boys will be boys and most commentators in this thing agree he should not be charged. I have a degree in criminal justice and according to social strain theory this kid did this crime because he is black and maybe poor and stuff. The 2 white coaches are not charged. And yes I earned my cj degree making me an expert on these things along with my life experience as a security guard fighting crime like this working in ypsi. When I talk to police though they give me no respect for my degree and the theories of crime. Maybe if the prosecutors listened to people on this comment section then there would be less social injustice.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
Sorry to hear the cops don't respect the opinion of an expert security guard with a "cj" degree. (and stuff) Ever wonder why?
aataxpayer
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
The AAPS is ignoring the problem. The student is not suspended. The Pioneer coach is not fired. No wonder the prosecutor had to act! At least the Huron coach resigned - one good example for the kids.
Augustine
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
Are you really saying that a coach should be fired just to make it "fair" between the two schools when no evidence has shown that the Pioneer coach did anything out of line in this situation? In fact, the prosecutor's office seems to imply that the assistant (who WAS fired) could have been acting in reasonable defense of the head coach. I realize we have a very public "brawl" here, but I'm shocked that so many commentators are out to see everyone involved in this situation kicked out. It seems that it is not about a just consequence but rather, 'if the coaches get this consequence then the kids do too', 'if a student gets this consequence then the coaches do too', 'if Huron gets this consequence then Pioneer does too'. Hey, Judge Judy, why don't you give the plaintiff and the accused the same verdict?
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
@swimthis. Really, post appears to just looking for a reason to bag on football. Anyway, welcome to these boards, I see you are new here. I'm sure you will be posting on other stories as well, right?
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
"Yep, if you keep moving the bar up every time you post, I guess eventually it will be impossible to jump over.I didn't miss any point, I read your words and responded. Sorry you were not clear and I couldn't read your mind. By the way, very, very, very few Freshman start in any D1 football program, but you knew that, being a big fan and all." This is the attitude and mentality I was referring to. We have opposing viewpoints - big deal. Rather than respecting another person's viewpoint you resort to insults. Yes I am a big fan of ALL high school sports.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
@swimthis; "Eyeheart you are missing the point entirely. I guess I should have been more specific in that I was referring to athletes that receive full academic scholarships for the 4 full years and typically those that will start or play games freshman season. " Yep, if you keep moving the bar up every time you post, I guess eventually it will be impossible to jump over. I didn't miss any point, I read your words and responded. Sorry you were not clear and I couldn't read your mind. By the way, very, very, very few Freshman start in any D1 football program, but you knew that, being a big fan and all.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
I don't know anything about the new AD at PIO. From my perspective we all receive the same rules and guidelines by our AD and they are firm and consistent. From my female perspective; football has always had inflated egos therefore the behavior isn't really surprising. However to give them credit, they probably are the biggest revenue producing sport out of all HS sports so part of me gets it the other part doesn't. I'm sad for the kids in all this. They just want to play ball. Sadly a few including the adults in charge took the game too far. Time to rethink what the game is all about IMO.
towncryer
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
Swimthis, do you think the athletic directors play into this culture also? (just curious what your opinion is)
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Eyeheart you are missing the point entirely. I guess I should have been more specific in that I was referring to athletes that receive full academic scholarships for the 4 full years and typically those that will start or play games freshman season. Yes a select handful of outstanding football athletes have rcv'd recognition as they should, again a handful out of 100's of AAPS football players (which was my point with that comment). This is the minority. Very few of our athletes will receive full rides to college on ATHLETIC scholarships. Yet a certain program walks around as if they are above the rules well because apparently they are! MHSAA clearly defines running up the score. Sportsmanlike conduct is also covered yet I saw nothing of any kind during the Pio/Dex game. Point being yes I am weighing and judging these programs from a distance. I have seen the behavior, the broken rules, and attitudes, heard the rumors, and after this incident pretty much declared neither coach has any command over either program and should be removed. My opinion and I stand by it. You don't have follow every single game statistic or handful of outstanding players to know there is a problem in both programs and I believe that falls on the shoulders of the head coaches. Huron did the right thing when Coach Sleeve stepped down. I don't believe for one second that Pioneer will do the same unless they are forced. The mentality that "they do no wrong therefore should have no consequences" has been there for years. The Pio football team paraded the ex-Dex head coach down the field on the shoulders of players touting in Dexter's face the loss of 69-0. Mind you the Dexter players and coaching staff remained professional throughout. Sorry but that speaks volumes to me about what kind of program is being run and not at all surprising that any of this happened. A little humility goes a long way. Huron has accepted their responsibility in this and acted on it, time for Pioneer to do the same.
Unusual Suspect
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
I think the biggest travesty is that they have even taken paragraphs away from swimthis.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
"Really when was the last time AAPS produced a big ten football recruit or FULL ride scholarship athlete?" Jeeze, was last year too long ago? http://www.annarbor.com/sports/high-school/soon-to-be-michigan-running-back-drake-johnson-is-annarborcom-football-player-of-the-year/ or how about Jordan Woods? Last year as well. Nice to see you are following the programs so closely before weighing in on them.
thecompound
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
excellent post swimthis...you should post it on its own, rather than a reply :)
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.
Trust me when I say this is all being felt over on that side of town. For those of us that follow the rules and run a clean program we're now faced with all kinds additional rules and guidelines on top of funding cuts. Thank you football. Thanks for making our jobs even harder because you couldn't act like the adults you claim to be. As our boss said it best - 90% of us do the right thing, sadly 10% don't and that determines the fate for the rest of us. I'd love for the football staff of both programs to have to listen to commentary of student athletes at both schools, how this has impacted them, and how they have lost all respect for them as coaches and even teachers due to one night. How can you not hear it? Even the kids know right from wrong yet the adults in this situation did the very one thing that we're supposed to prevent from happening. Disgusting. My question is was it worth it? Both programs are now a black eye in the community over what? Football? Really when was the last time AAPS produced a big ten football recruit or FULL ride scholarship athlete? Kids have a better chance of college funding through academic scholarships not the 2% through collegiate athletics -http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/nli/nli/document+library/athletic+scholarship. This is nothing more than grown men getting their panties in a wad over ONE team running up the score. Which again is against MHSAA so I understand the frustration, however as the adult and leader of your program you have to keep it in perspective and be the example. The kids know which team is acting in good faith and which isn't. The kids acted exactly as the adults did in this situation. Tragic and the best example of WHAT NOT TO DO when coaching kids.
Brad
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 2:24 p.m.
Not ignoring so much as dodging and spinning.
Jeffersonian Liberal
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
Maybe all of you would like to stand there while the little coward swings a crutch at your empty head?
Pihi
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
No darling involved, Just stating my opinion, seems rather easy to judge when your not directly affected, I'm guilty also.
Ownit
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
Are there several darlings charged or just one?
towncryer
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
LIttle testy there, which little darling is yours?
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
Or we all would like to be on the sideline blogging about it, when 80% or more have nothing to do with this situation and weren't there.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
I guess I missed something in all of this even though I'm a district employee and have heard about this since it happened. Coaches with the inability to keep their emotions in check get into brawl on field with players jumping in on the action. MHSAA Officials suspend coaches 1 game and find fault in what happened. AAPD/A2 Prosecutors office review tape and find this kid to have engaged in felonious assault ON school ground during a school sponsored EVENT and the kid is still enrolled and allowed to go to school? Wait...what just happened? Why isn't he suspended or removed from school? I don't understand how the district can justify this given its policy on fighting at school or school sponsored events? This 18 year old is allowed to brutally attack and beat someone on the field to the point the prosecuting attorney's office is charging him with 2 felony assaults, yet he can remain enrolled at Pioneer High School? Whisky tango foxtrot! As a tax payer, parent, and employee I'm disgusted. If my child acted with such reprehensible behavior he should face the consequences of those actions just as the coaching staff of BOTH teams should. How can you stand up as a coach and feel good about yourself or your program when something of this magnitude occurs? Resign, retire, do whatever, but you no longer belong on the field or involved with young adolescents. Those involved should be held responsible and accountable. Stop blaming the players actions on the coaches. Stop blaming the coaches actions on the ADs and so on. Put the responsibility on the coaches and players where it belongs. And sorry AAPS but coaches development? Either remove the problems or suspend the programs. Huron's coach stepped down. I'd like to see the rest of the staff from both programs go. I've now how to hear about "be the change of culture in our school" when it's these ego maniacs that need to be the change. Man up and resign or suspend both programs for one season.
Bashir McCrutcheon
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:10 a.m.
cinaabar7071, don't worry, you guessed wrong.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.
Post or write a book?
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
Goodness I thought I heard the last of the Dexter game.....clearly coach Test didn't put his hands on anyone or force anyone to do so.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
Excellent point Reg!
Reg
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Coach Test take responsibilty?? But....he didn't call those pass plays at the end of the Huron game! I bet he also didn't call for the onside kick at the end of the Dexter game! How can we expect him to take responsibility for the actions of his player??
leonard
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
He was injured an out for the year so weather or not he was a good player was a moot point,hence is why he was on crutches.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
I'm guessing he's a really good player. I wonder how this would play out if he were on second string?
Carole
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
I agree with several comments re: the student being charged and not the adult who threw the first punch. Hmmmmm. Not saying he was right in what he did and if found guilty should have a consequence.
leonard
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 10:10 a.m.
Correction it was not number two who stepped on the players head in fact that young man was not even at the game, but it was number three who did and laughed about it in the locker room to his team mates.
leonard
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
Not true coach test was no where around in 2010 he and his crew were at skyline,which resulted in a 2,236 yard 7 game season including a 506 yard game against Chelsea which pioneer won 28-27.great game actually but yes there were many politics involved this year.which is sad.Some coaches are for you others are not it's all about fit.
Pihi
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
Nah, he was under the same coaching staff for four years, kicked off towards the end of the fourth year.... Definitely other issues going on, not due to coaching staff....saw it first hand.
leonard
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
left the team due to bad coaching as well as many others did
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:39 p.m.
Hearsay from one player that was kicked off the team, statement is untrue, carry on!
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:51 a.m.
Okay, not excusing the student using crutches in a melee BUT...neither one of the coaches in this incident was charged with any criminal violations, right? Something smells a bit unfair to me with this....
ArthGuinness
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:30 a.m.
I believe in second chances, but there's a difference in degree from shoving someone (very minor) to punching someone (can cause damage but very rarely is it permanent) to swinging a metal object at someone ("just" a broken nose seems like a lucky outcome in this case). Personally I think anybody who punches or worse should be charged. Random violence isn't acceptable. Anybody who thinks fights are a normal way of life needs to rethink.
leonard
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
What about number two who stepped on the huron players head and laughs about it???
tellit
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
Twitter the night of the brawl told a lot of information.....there was also a Huron player bragging about hitting a pioneer player with a crutch, tapes will say a thousand words....which people were doing what EVERYONE
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.
Swinging
Augustine
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 3:07 a.m.
I hope the court of public opinion does not cause injustice in this case. Should our public comments force the schools to censure or discharge employees or students who are innocent of wrongdoing? These comments often make it sound as though if the end results don't appear "fair" publicly then those in authority are not doing their jobs. Do we seriously want to force the hand of those who are in possession of the facts? Are they charged to do justice to us or to those who were wronged in this affair? Let's encourage and allow the city, school, and sports officials to do their jobs as best as they can.
DonBee
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
Priceless, just priceless. The coaches who are supposed to be responsible for teaching their teams sportsmanship and how to progress in life get a couple of games off. One of their athletes gets charged with 2 felonies. Others may be pending. I love the justice of this case, in a sports crazy town coaches can do no wrong. Long life AAPS Football and the ethics it teaches. Now all the sports fans can bash me...flame on!
Enso
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Don, This is actually the most intelligent thing I've ever heard you say on here.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
I'm scared I actually agree with DonBee for once! Clean house at both programs. "Change the culture" and maybe this won't happen again.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:53 a.m.
DonBee, Ironically, we agree here. If the student was charged then sure as heck the coaches (i.e. ADULT AUTHORITY FIGURES) should have been equality charged with something. Misdemeanor? Something, anything?
Laura Jones
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 2:15 a.m.
I think it is unreasonable not to also charge the adult paid authority figures who led the young man into the fight. Accident of birth making him 18 by months does not negate years of training to follow his coaches lead, and lead they did. I am not excusing him, only pointing out with an aggressive contact sport with leaders. one cannot excuse the leaders or be surprised at the outcome of their lead.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.
Unlike the other prosecutors and judges on here, I need more evidence. This kid was on crutches in the middle of a brawl possibly he was defending himself. If it was cut and dry, charges would have been pressed. Wait it out, in the end I doubt the charges will be felonies if any.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
Laura I agree with most of what you wrote, but the young man was not lead into this, he was his choice to join in. I wasn't there, But I'm guessing most player did not join in.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
You can be charged as an adult when you are under 18. He per planned his crime, as many ADULTS do, by disguising himself prior to swinging the crutch. I do agree, the coaches need to have one accountability, and a civil suit will likely follow.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
I concur! As the other commenter stated though the charges of beating someone with a crutch will always outweigh a punch or shove. How do these coaches sleep at night knowing they are part of this? I would be devastated if something like this happened and one of my athletes were facing criminal charges over a football game. I love high school sports but not when it becomes this.
Jimmyc
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 10:42 a.m.
Morally perhaps. Legally not so much. I'm sure this young man's lawyer will present that as a mitigating factor that will likely lead to a plea bargain down to misdemeanors.
elvislives
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
Coach Gildersleeve DID resign. Whether he fell on his sword or was pushed...? A very non-committal "spending more time with the family" reason was given. Of course many said that his team's record ought to have been enough to have him removed from his job.
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:55 a.m.
I have not seen the video, so this is a hypothetical in response to those who suggest the coaches are solely to blame- If someone else starts, or is in a fight, it does not make it a free-for-all where you get a "freebie" to jump in with any dangerous weapon that may be convenient. A break down in order does not excuse an attack with a dangerous weapon. I'm sure the prosecutor reviewed a lot of evidence before making these charges. It will be interesting to see that evidence.
Bashir McCrutcheon
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 1:13 a.m.
you just not looking hard enough, lol
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Nobody on the blog has seen the tape, everyone is speculating.
zebra
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
The Minister of Propaganda is at it again! She should be thrown in Azkaban!!
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
That picture is an instant classic.
Claude Kershner
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.
I'm calling on both Coach Gildersleeve and Coach Test to issue a statement saying they believe they bear a responsibility in creating the environment for this action to occur. Further, they will contribute financially to the young mans defense fund to insure he receives adequate representation from a hired lawyer rather than an appointed one.
Claude Kershner
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
I don't want to see him get out of it at all. The post was poorly written on my end. It's more about the two Coaches getting off without much of a penalty.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
He doesn't need a defense fund. He has a public defender, and everything will be free, just like everything else is. He intentionally hurt another, there is no defense when you premeditated a crime. Sounds like you want to make sure he gets out of it.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
Coach Sleeve resigned as he should. Coach Test needs to man up and resign or be fired as do all the other coaches of BOTH teams. I don't care who was or wasn't involved. Clearly there is a huge problem in BOTH programs when something like this occurs. I saw the Pioneer/Dexter game and was ashamed and embarrassed to be part of AAPS. Interesting how that game foreshadowed the events and outcome of this game. When you constantly run up the score which is against MHSAA rules, and then throw it in the face of others you can't act surprised when your players and assistant coaches start acting a fool. That doesn't excuse what happened but I don't understand how people can be surprised by it.
Laura Jones
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:13 a.m.
Not at all the same - unless the looters are following the cops in.
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
Isn't that a bit like using a break down in order to excuse looting a store?
BobbyJohn
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
Their actions were so minor in relation to what the defendant did. They merely shoved and pushed each other a bit. The defendant tried to seriously injure a minor.
Bill Wilson
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
Quick FYI: The level of the charge often depends of premeditation, and severity. If the perp planned it in advance, and/or injured his/her victim severely, the charge(s) will go to felony counts.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.
I have a feeling Ann Arbor is about to receive a visit from The Justice Brothers.
Enso
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
As they should. After all this, a fight between two old white guys starts a huge brawl, so we charge the black teenager with no money?! So much for the idea of a liberal Ann Arbor. This sounds like a Republican paradise.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
And they should, hope you would defend your child whether he/she was 18 or 58.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:54 a.m.
Well, considering....
Mike
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
Big Al and Brother Jessie where art thou?
Trevor
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
This story just shows that these two schools can't show sportsmanship on or off of the playing turf. Football should be a better game then it is right now. Of course its gonna be a hurtful and emotional sport, thats what football is supposed to be. But brawling at midfield after a game is just unsportsmanlike toward both programs, no matter who started. If you hurt a player with a crutch of a helmet in the face, you're gonna get suspended, you're gonna get fined, and you should have to spend some time for it. If you intentionally mean to hurt someone like this doofus did, you're gonna have to pay the consequence.
Basic Bob
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
One coach fired, one student charged. Only at Pioneer.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
The schools do show sportsmanship in other programs. This happended with the football programs. Lets keep the fault with them and not toss in the rest of the programs that you NEVER hear about that do great things.
towncryer
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
I imagine they didn't just pull these charges out of a hat, there must be witnesses, etc... While I do believe he needs consequences for his actions, I hope ALL the adults in charge that night are HAPPY they set this whole thing in motion.
Tag
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
Not only are witnesses available but apparently a video exists, that we (the public) can't see because it has minors in it that can be identified.
Tag
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
I'm glad other commenters recognized, after quite a while, that he's 18, he's not a kid anymore and must be held accountable for his actions. The prosecutor can only file charges when presented a case from the police department. The police took quite a bit of time working this case before sending it to the prosecutor. Are the police finished with their investigation of the brawl? Could more charges, for others, be coming, ie.: the coaches? If two people get in a fight at a bar and neither one goes to the hospital for injuries or files a police report does anyone get prosecuted? Or we could take the position of many commenters on the previous article about this and just sweep it under the rug and move on.
thecompound
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
So you're thinking one of the victims filed a police report/complaint? It sure seems like that have something or some reason to bring charges rather than just let this brawl go. And unlike the race-baiters on here, I don't think it is due to the accused person's race.
Mike
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
This is insane.............I've witnessed much worse and did not see anyone get charged with felonies. I wasn't disappoined by those calling this racists though. We don't just have crime anymore, it has to be racists or a hate crime. Whatever happened to a criminal justice system that is supposed to be blind, where a crime is a crime? I'm glad I'm old and won't have to be around much longer to live in the screwed up rules and regulations based world we are creating for our children and grandchildren where everyone is equal, everything is fair, and being successful is punished and looked down upon by the system. Although I'm sure when it's my turn to receive care under Obamacare, or not, that I'll get the ultimate rules and regulations awakening on my way out............
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
as another commenter mentioned using the crutch as a weapon took things to another level. Exchanging punches is one thing, at least both people are limited by their own "pain threshold" with respect to their own fist. Its a "fair fight" when two people swing fists at one another. That all changes when someone uses a 5' metal "club".
ViSHa
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
Can't figure out how that one person (as of now) could disagree with this statement.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
Liz Margolis' comments are bizarre. This was a student attacking someone at a school event on school property...school policies very clearly and specifically cover that situation. Sounds like the district is coddling the jocks. The schools suspend students for fighting all the time, regardless of if and when there is a conviction.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
I agree. Her comments and the districts actions do not match the AAPS policy on fighting at school or school sponsored events. What gives? If this happened in a classroom he would have been expelled plus facing criminal charges. What sort of message do you think this is sending to the other kids? This is going to get ugly very quick.
towncryer
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
what happened to no tolerance policy?
belboz
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:57 p.m.
How about the story document the name of the City Attorney who is deciding to prosecute an 18 year old, but is leaving the adults out of the court system. This is really sad. Borderline racial.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Fri, Nov 30, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
So, Jimmy C. because the adults coaches did assault and battery to each other (i.e. Pushing and Shoveling) let them go free, but the kid who at least one of the fighting coaches were supervising....throw the book at him, right? Please....
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
The attorney is doing his or her job. They were presented with evidence from the AAPD. They are mandated to act in accordance with the law. Failure to do so would mean he or she isn't doing their job. We already have two football programs full of adults not doing their jobs so at least someone is doing something. It's up to the district to manage the "adults" in both programs. Neither adults were charged because legally there was anything to charge with, however IMO they shouldn't remain on the payroll. Time to clean house AAPS.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
What, it's racial because he pulled his hood up first to disguise himself, then swung the crutch, then pulled his hood back down and played dumb? He knew what he was doing. Do the crime, do the time. Nothing to do with skin color. BUT, the coaches should also be responsible for the actions of their players, so don't be surprised if more comes of this.
Jimmyc
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 10:39 a.m.
@Ypsigirl the assistant coach shoved another coach. To equate that with beating someone with a crutch is idiocy. To recognize the difference is not racial in any way.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:56 a.m.
I would not say per-say racial but highly questionable considering neither of the ADULT SUPERVISORS (i.e. the Coaches) were charged with anything. WOW!
Jimmyc
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
Racial because....is the attorney white? Both attacker and victim were African American.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
The 18 year old is an adult, and certainly old enough to know that you aren't supposed to clobber people with metal objects.
ian g
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
What about the victims of the attacks? He is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and you all want to weep POOR LITTLE GUY - HELP! NCAAP! He is an adult. If he is found in a court of law to be guilty of the crime, he deserves the punishment issued to him by our elected judicial officials.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Fri, Nov 30, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
Jimmy C, So, the adult coaches are blameless. Give me a break. This kid as well as the adults who fought themselves should all equality be changed.
Jimmyc
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 10:36 a.m.
@Ypsi girl, he didn't throw the crutches. He used it to swing at and then smash the head (several times) of the victim. It's not like he threw them in the air and said, oops...sorry that they hit you kid.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 7:58 a.m.
Right, all the people (kids/adults supervision) who led to this situation getting out of control, should be charged with felonies and/or misdemeanors. Not just the kid who threw the Crutches. Come on, fair is fair.
brian
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:06 a.m.
Thank you for saying that me friend.
ViSHa
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
And who told you someone attacked the person on crutches---him?
EG
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
You obviously have your opinion, but who actually attacks a kid on crutches and thinks that kid is not going to defend himself? Yes, there is more to the story than the public is aware of! Yes, NAACP! Who is actually the VICTIM? I PRAY FOR ALL INVOLVED!
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Well, we know that's why AAPS isn't acting on this.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
But that would enlarge the "discipline gap."
shane derossett
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
People need to band together to stop this wrecking of a young man's life we need to picket the prosecutor office we need to call the NAACP an call on the churches to march down main street Ann arbor an stop this unfair wrecking of a young man's life shame shame shame on you Ann arbor prosecutor I am sickened by this drop the charges now this is very wrong.
Pihi
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
I would march in support, the Huron player has yet to be charged and guess what, he isn't black.
theDoorsofPreception
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 3:33 p.m.
Can you say run on sentence? Aside from that you're also so wrong that it pains me to read the rest of your statement
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 8:02 a.m.
This is a two-fer night on agreement. EyeHeartA2, we totally agree there. Personally, I would not care if the kid was purple with green hair, the point is if the A2 D.A. office (or Washtenaw County D.A. Office) is going to charge this young man with a felony, there better be more felony or misdemeanor charges coming down the pike. Like for instance, the TWO adult COACHES who were fighting on the field themselves, for starters.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.
NAACP? Is it too early to play the race card? Guess not. BTW, I actually am on the kids side (yes, I know he is 18), despite your ineffective race baiting. The kid should be give a second chance based on his prior behavior (which I'm assuming is good) and the fact that there is no need to wreck his life over this, not because he is black.
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:05 p.m.
Picket the prosecutor, call the NAACP, call the churches. You left out the the Department of Justice. If he was on crutches he's probably covered by the ADA. (sarcasm intended)
towncryer
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
go for it then shane, lol
Jimmyc
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
@belboz don't disagree with you that the adults should have some consequences. BUT that does not mean that this young man should not be prosecuted for his alleged crime of picking up a crutch and beating a 16 year old boy with it. That is the issue at hand.
belboz
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
I would protest that the instigating adults are walking away free, but deciding to pick on a young black guy.
Jimmyc
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
Seriously??? This young man CHOSE to pick up the crutch and beat someone with it. No one made him, no one framed him. His actions are against the law and need to be punished. What exactly would you be protesting??
Piledriver
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
Typical Ann Arbor.....the coaches may have to attend a "professional development" course while a student, who probably got caught up in the heat of the moment and obviously made a very poor impulsive decision, is facing two felonies. Sounds like they've started to find some scapegoats. All this as a result of a couple of "adult" coaches acting like complete morons. Nothing like a bunch of "adults" to ruin a kid's game. I don't know how any of the coaches involved can sleep at night. I hope you're proud. As for the AAPS, if they had any guts, they'd fire any remaining coaches from any position they have in the district....coaching or teaching. They're disgraces to their positions.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
He didn't make the impulsive decision when he planned his actions- he thought about it enough to pull his hood up over his head, and covered his face to disguise himself from the video. The coaches will likely be involved if there's a civil suit if this adult- not kid- gets what he deserves. He's 18, not two.
swimthis
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
"They're disgraces to their positions." I couldn't agree more! I honestly don't know how the Pioneer coaches can sleep at night. You must be so proud Pioneer! Hope your win-at-all-cost attitude was all worth it.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.
Sorry, new commenting system is sending me for a loop. The above comment was meant for the next thread.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
NAACP? Is it too early to play the race card? Guess not. BTW, I actually am on the kids side (yes, I know he is 18), despite your ineffective race baiting. The kid should be give a second chance based on his prior behavior (which I'm assuming is good) and the fact that there is no need to wreck his life over this, not because he is black.
BobbyJohn
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
This is apples and oranges. The coaches did a little shoving and pushing. Nobody was injured nor could anyone have been injured from this. But, going after people swinging a metal crutch at people's heads is a serious crime. If he did it, he should be ready to take the punishment. I have had 2 kids who were athletes at Pioneer, and I am sure it would never have even occurred to them to be an aggressor with a metal crutch. Unless this young man was truly acting defensively, and there has not been any statements to that effect at this time, I hope he is convicted if he hit someone.
Blue Marker
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
And in what way is this "typical Ann Arbor"?
fjord
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:26 p.m.
Wow, the apologists are out in force. Using a crutch to attack people is a much more serious offense than what the coaches are accused of. It doesn't matter who started the fight — an escalation of that fight, like hitting someone with a crutch, is a crime regardless of what came before. That said, unless there's video or other strong evidence that confirms that it was this kid swinging the crutch, they could have a hard time convicting him. His lawyer will probably be able to plead it down to no more than the misdemeanors he was also charged with ... possibly less than that.
Ownit
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.
Choppy evidence, as off last week they were still looking for witnesses to testify.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
There's evidence- no doubt.
Susie Q
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.
Evidence exists or he would not be charged.
A2brooksie
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:22 p.m.
This is how our legal system works. The prosecuter "overcharges" you with felonies, or any other charges that are much higher than what is called for, this then applies pressure to the defendent to strongly consider a plea bargain regardless of guilt or innocence since the potential sentence of the overcharged felony is quite scary. Add in the additional attorney fees to defend a felony vs a misdeameaner, it makes it almost a "no brainer" to have to accept a plea bargain. Your choice is to "roll the dice" and defend yourself and run up a $25,000+ legal bill, or accept the lesser misdeameaner in a plea and go to jail for 30 days or just probation. If all our cases were tried in court, the legal system would grind to a halt. Prosecuters overcharge all the time to effect quick plea deals.
Chris
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
Best comment, @A2Brooksie. I bet he does not get convicted of a felony and pleads out. Good call.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Actually, he won't pay a dime. He has a public defender. Watch him pull his hood up before he swings the crutch and decide if he "planned" his actions. Do the crime, do the time. Next time it may be someone you care about, and maybe you'll think differently.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Actually, expensive defense lawyers would tell him to take the plea bargain because they're smart enough to know that jurors don't like people who attack people with large objects.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
He rolled the dice when he attacked another person, and came up with craps. I'm glad they charged as they did. But indeed the coaches should also be charged. That where the anger should be placed.
Ryan
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9 p.m.
Felonies? Great, let's ruin this kid's life for a minor fight at a football game, something that happens from time to time, and one in which no one was seriously hurt. What was the adult who started this fight charged with... oh right, he was not charged at all. We have some seriously wack priorities here and I hope the prosecutor pulls their head out of their 4th point of contact and drops these charges IMMEDIATELY!
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
Minor fights at football games only happen at pioneer, not the other AAPS high schools. This kid preplanned his actions. Coaches may yet have some responsibility if there is a civil case. Kid is an adult who ruined his own life.
brian
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:04 a.m.
Ohhhhhh, once again, the teen decided to use a weapon. Can you grasp on to that?
nowayjose
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:57 a.m.
What does the army have to do with anything? Are they issuing crutches in basic now? And the victim did have a broken nose.
drewk
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.
Maybe he should have thought about his actions and using a weapon first. And it doesn't matter who started the fight, he wasn't involved until he violently injured at least one other student. Remember the stitches?
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
Uh, we are not in the army. Fights do not happen "all the time". Perhaps you are running with the wrong crowd.
Ryan
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Crime? Seriously? You people wouldn't last 2 days in the Army. Where are the broken bones and bleeding wounds that perhaps justify a felony. Where is the real and actual damage? Nowhere. Fights happen, get over it.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
He's not a kid, he's 18 years old and an adult. only he has "ruined" his life with a crime that he made the choice to commit.
Jimmyc
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
A minor fight?? He brutally beat another player with a weapon. This young man elevated the incident by bringing in a metal crutch as a weapon. WE do not have wack priorities as you say. We have officials who when they see a someone use a weapon - regardless of what provoked him - will prosecute him or anyone to the fullest.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Good job AAPD.
Nick Danger
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
This is insane.The student gets punished for what the adults started and the coachs escape scott free.Time to change prosecutors
brian
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4:02 a.m.
The coaches DID NOT use a weapon. Let me put it this way. The coaches start a fist fight and the teen pulls out a gun and starts shooting. You would think differently.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
As any responsible parent will tell you, it doesn't matter who started it. Also, if you read the previous article, you will see that the coaches didn't start a fight. One assistant coach used light force - a single action deemed appropriate by the AAPD - to remove a threat. The difference between assault with a weapon (the crutch) and removing a threat is very clear (to most people, at least).
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 10:59 p.m.
The student is 18...he is also an adult.
the leprachaun
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
the kid obviously screwed up but seriously have him do community service instead of wrecking his life with four felonies.
Thoughtful
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
The kid intentionally set out to hurt someone, and disguised himself while doing so. Do you think this is the first, or the last time this will happen? When it's your family member that's injured, and someone who "just got off with community service" does something, will you think differently? He wrecked his own life. He's 18, not a two year old having a tantrum.
local
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
Maybe it isn't his first run in with the law!
brian
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 4 a.m.
You wouldn't be saying that if someone was seriously hurt and if that person hurt was your child. Sorry, he should have thought before engaging in what the coaches started.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
"Have him do community service instead of wrecking his life with four felonies." First of all, it's two felonies and two misdemeanors. Second, if his life is messed up, he did it, not the rest of us, not the police, not the prosecutor, not a jury, and not a judge.
DBH
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
And, in any event, as things stand now, it would only be a maximum of TWO felonies (not four) and two misdemeanors, if he is found guilty on all current charges.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
Heck in Wayne county the guy who stabbed my son 4 times and crashed into his parked truck only got probation and restitution which isn't paid 5 years later.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
He's the one who wreaked his life, no one else. Maybe you'd feel different had he attacked you or your kid.
EightySeven
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
Why cause he is from Ann Arbor?? Kids make bad decisions all the time and need to be held accountable for their actions. Maybe he should thought first before using his crutch as a weapon. He'll have plenty of time to correct this mistake if that's what he chooses to do after he makes his way thru the court system.
racerx
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, and I really hope to be. However, police found evidence that this student would be charged, but none of the coaches who threw the first punches at each other and authorities found no basis to charge them. Am I right?
brian
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 3:58 a.m.
Two wrongs don't make a right. He should not have used a weapon. Silly as it is the crutch is a weapon.
nowayjose
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
No you are wrong. The police turned their investigation over to the prosecutors office and they decided not to charge.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Nov 28, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
Please do not use the coaches actions as a crutch for his defense.
Dorchester
Tue, Nov 27, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
This is an awful decision. I was at the game. One head and one assistant started the brawl. I'm not condoning the kid's actions, but we need to keep the focus on who started the fight.