Ann Arbor Public Schools concludes initial football brawl investigation; superintendent releases statement
Ann Arbor Public Schools has concluded the initial phase of its investigation into the on-field brawl that took place following the high school football game between Huron and Pioneer high schools on Friday.
Superintendent Patricia Green released a statement on the district's website on Thursday.
Green's statement did not state how many players will be suspended from each team. Though district director of communications Liz Margolis previously stated the number of players suspended would be released, she said on Thursday the district eventually decided against doing that.
"Our HR department and administration decided that's not something we're going to be releasing due to the district's privacy policies," Margolis said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Bob Pfannes of the Ann Arbor Police Department said the incident remains an ongoing investigation, and he has no updates to release. Detectives are reviewing evidence and conducting interviews, he added.
Here is the statement:
Dear AAPS Families, Staff and the Ann Arbor Community,
The Ann Arbor Public Schools has completed the initial phase of the investigation concerning the incident surrounding the football game between Ann Arbor Huron High School and Ann Arbor Pioneer High School on Friday, October 12, 2012. This unfortunate incident started when a verbal confrontation began between the two head coaches during the late phases of the game. The ensuing heated conversation carried on after the game when the coaches met mid-field. An assistant coach from Pioneer became involved in the verbal altercation between the head coaches and reacted in an aggressive and physical manner, allegedly pushing the Huron head coach. This assistant coach has been released from his coaching duties at AAPS and is not on staff with AAPS in any other capacity. This type of behavior will not be tolerated.
The two head coaches have been issued a one game suspension from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and one game suspension from the Ann Arbor Public Schools. These suspensions will be served concurrently. These suspensions are due to the coaches’ flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct. AAPS is very disappointed with the behavior of these coaches and lack of sportsmanship and leadership on and off the field. Their actions did not demonstrate the expectations of a head coach of an Ann Arbor Public School athletic team.
Involved student athletes from the Huron and Pioneer football teams were suspended for the next scheduled game, this Friday, October 19, 2012. It is the policy of the Ann Arbor Public Schools to not release the names or the discipline action of students.
The investigation continues by both the Ann Arbor Public Schools and by the Ann Arbor Police Department. AAPS reserves the right to issue further discipline upon discovery of additional incriminating evidence.
As part of the response to the incident, both football teams met with the coaches. Apologies were made to the teams from the head coaches. Both head coaches have also apologized to the student body at their schools. An email and phone message went home to Huron and Pioneer families delivered jointly from the two principals. As Superintendent of Schools I issued a statement to the community which has been posted on the district website since Monday.
The student athletes have taken steps to move forward and heal as team members. The captains of the football teams met with school staff and the coaches this week to discuss specific ways they can work together to show solidarity. The captains are exploring some concrete ways to serve their community such as working with Alpha House and the Salvation Army. The teams are also investigating hosting football clinics for junior football players and the captains will be issuing a message jointly to the two schools.
Both Huron and Pioneer have already begun to heal from this incident. Apologies have been expressed, discipline has been issued to the offending coaches and students. The majority of our students acted maturely and properly on the field and off, demonstrating their leadership by standing together to show the community they are true student athletes.
I want to thank the AAPS community for supporting our students and the District during this most unfortunate and regrettable incident.
See Patricia Green's initial statement on the brawl.
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham
Comments
John J Hubbard Jr
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
Not only should the coaches not be allowed at practice, the teams should have to forefit their last games of the season. The teams need to be punished also, not just the coaches.
kate
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Given the recent Penn State scandal, I would think intelligent Ann Arborites (ahem, and the Superintendent) would recognize the danger in exalting football to an unassailable status. If this event took place in a classroom, the teachers would have been fired, stripped of their certifications, and most likely sued by students (for emotionally distress, obviously). Students involved would have been suspended for weeks, if not expelled. It sends a very loud message to the community when expectations are inconsistent for educators and students vs. coaches and players. Shame on Patricia Green for leading Ann Arbor schools down Penn State's path.
popcornmom
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
"The teams are also investigating hosting football clinics for junior football players...". Really?? Is this who you want teaching beginners about how the game of football should be played? As a parent of a football player, I would investigate whether or not any of the disciplined players and coaches are to be involved in such clinics. They should be suspended from that as well and instead be required to attend an anger management/sportsmanship clinic for their own development.
darre james
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
You guys would really be livid if you knew who was still allowed to play......I mean livid
Boohoo
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
Well do tell! Not sure if we would be livid or just you?
Bashir McCrutcheon
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
hope it's not the guy who kicked will in the face
America
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
Fire both head coaches. Clean house and start the programs from scratch. Or remove football from Ann Arbor for a few years in order to guarantee that the house is clean. There are plenty of other things the kids can do in lieu of football that can build team spirit and encourage physical activity.
Bashir McCrutcheon
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
wow, so if a kids not playing football then he will be getting into trouble. kinda stereotyping there.
A2Pio
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Like what? Getting into trouble? Better to be involved in daily conditioning, practices, and games.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:53 p.m.
Like what? Cup-stacking?
PineyWoodsGuy
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 5:30 a.m.
Really? Are we (and the Superintendent) Pea Brains? Obviously the AAPS Football Program should be Axed from the budget! It is a breeding ground for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). There is No, repeat Nada, justification for our tax dollars to support Football at our Jr and Sr High Schools! Join My Post if yins agree. Tax Payer Dollars Squandered = Pearls Before Swine! Hey! Tax Payer Dollars = Hundreds of Thousand of AAPS Dollars. And for What? To send an occasional AAPS graduate onto the field in the Big House? Looking for an AAPS Dendard Robinson? Get a Life dudes!!! Join My Post if yins agree.
snapshot
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 4:51 a.m.
Talk talk talk = what a crock. These "athletes" are trained to be aggressive and dominant.,.,.you don't get to put up a smoke screen of kissy lovey dovey crap after they're hyped up, revved up, and want to win the contest. You need to evaluate just what our taxdollars are paying for. Athletics are out of control just like your coaches and kids. How about next time there's an "incident" the athletic department is history....sign the contract and behave yourselves.
Linda
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:16 a.m.
The ex Varsity Football coach from Dexter is now a coach for Pioneer.
Pete Cunningham
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Tom Barbieri is not the assistant coach who was fired. He is actually assuming head coaching responsibilities while Paul Test is suspended as mentioned in previous articles.
A2Pio
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Thanks, and duh, Linda. I think *most* people have known this for a long time. It's also been in the press for those who aren't involved with the school, or athletics.
dexterreader
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
I was wondering when someone would mention this. He also retained his teaching duties in Dexter, which means he is "not on staff in AAPS in any other capacity". Could it be the person you are referring to?
dk
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.
I've said it in three other posts this week, but will say it again. Coach Test is one of the finest individuals you'll ever come across. If you want an example of a coach who is there for the kids first and for the football second, look no further. Ann Arbor is lucky to have him.
Quitcrying
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
Care to expand? or should we stick with the lol?
darre james
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 5:16 a.m.
lol
Quitcrying
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
Yea I have similar thoughts...
ViSHa
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
The principals sent emails and did robocalls informing parents of the incident. This woman just expects everyone to go to the district website to get this conclusive information? Not everyone reads aa.com.
Doug
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
It's all Bush's fault!
SonnyDog09
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 11:08 a.m.
That was the old meme. The new meme is "It's Hillary's fault."
Scientist_Mom
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Wow, that is a very badly written statement. Wonder what her MEAP scores were?
Unusual Suspect
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 10:33 a.m.
Poorly written statement.
Pihi
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
Ha
average joe
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
There's this concept called social media that will quickly reveal the number & a good share of the names of players suspended. Not that it is something I need to know.
Riverrat
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
You don't say....do tell
Kim Murphy
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
Way too easy on the coaches. They should be the model. If students incited a fight of this magnitude they would have more severe penalties.
wardsa
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
What a bunch of "feel good", "say the right thing", PC crap! I'm glad I don't pay AA taxes.
Salbolal
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 10:43 p.m.
I am aware of school districts where the Superintendent would offer to meet with the parents at schools where bad things happen; where he or she might call the families enrolled at those schools directly; where they might appear at the next high school event and urge the community to come together. This, apparently, is not one of those districts. It's unfair to blame Ms. Margolis for this --
A2PuzzledParent
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:39 a.m.
I completely agree. I guess I was really naive to think that they might want our input. Or that we might deserve some direct communication rather than getting it from annarbor.com.
Bashir McCrutcheon
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
I agree with Salbolal, but like A2Pio says, doing these things would require staying in town on the weekends.
A2Pio
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:08 p.m.
I think I've stopped laughing now, but not because I disagree with you. She's in Pennsylvania more than she is here...attend a game, or an event?!
Ron Granger
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
Apparently they don't dare tell the public how few players were actually disciplined. So much for transparency. It's a secret! To protect the children!
Ownit
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Time will tell, either way is fine with me.
Bashir McCrutcheon
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
but satisfaction brought it back. video is out there
Brad
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:45 p.m.
All the information will become public eventually despite the efforts of AAPS. Even the video. It's the property of the public anyway.
Ownit
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
I knew how many players were disciplined from both teams on Monday, then again my children were directly impacted. Curiosity killed the cat, I hear..
Piledriver
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
Famed athletic supporter Jacques Strappe once remarked...."Why don't you grow a pair?!" I think in this case, the same should be asked of the AAPS.
Floyd
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9 p.m.
King Football rules this Roost! And Patty Green clearly understands how things work in this town...
Basic Bob
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
She's probably a Stealers fan.
An Arborigine
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
Let's just hope that our school taxes are billed half in Summer and half in Winter, but paid "concurrently"
Nick Danger
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
There is little consequence for poor sportsmenship and a lack of class by these coaches. The coach's ,superintendent and school board should be ashamed of themselves
Bob W
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
They 've concluded the "initial investigation." You mean there's more to come. Give a break, how long should this take?
pseudo
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
you just proved that this kind of behavior is indeed tolerated.
Stan Hyne
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
I am so dumb I thought school sports were to teach teamwork and sportsmanship. I didn't know this was a live or die, we must WIN time of life.
LincolnSchoolMom
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Yes, Stan it is a live or die time. Some 20 odd years ago in high school, I didn't think so either, but there were some who clearly lived and died by the grades. These days I hear from high schoolers all the time who think that winning against their peers, in whatever field, is key to the rest of their lives. Recruiters do watch these games. I wonder how this incident might affect their perceptions?
Bballmom
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Here is the problem with the process they followed. It doesn't match their fighting rules they publish. When someone is in a fight they are SUSPENDED from school. I am a firm believer they do not follow the policies across the board. Since these coaches are friends with the AD's, its their football team, they get special handling. The boys that were suspended are just suspedned from the next football game. BIG DEAL - AAPS have a backbone and make these folks deal with the consequences of their actions. Follow what you publish - consistently. Rest assured, if anything like this happens again you have set the precident, nothing will happen.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
Has anyone thought of asking Test if he was shoved/pushed?
Basic Bob
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.
Ask away, but I'm sure he's sworn to secrecy. I guess we will need to consult the replay official to see if their is sufficient video evidence to overturn the ruling on the field.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1 a.m.
Yep, that would settle it. Just ask. I'm sure you would get straight to the truth that way.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
I'm a bit baffled at your current thumb count..... 1 up 8 down.
Piledriver
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
I'm surprised the AAPS board is not making the two teams go back to the second grade to take a "Hands Are Not For Hitting" refresher course.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
Indeed, Mr. uhem, "piledriver". Sort of ironic statement, given your screen name, wouldn't you agree?
ummsw
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
Touche!!
BobbyJohn
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
We still have not been informed about what behaviors were involved in by the coaches. If either head coach pushed or shoved someone, then there should be more than a short suspension involved. Especially if there is concrete evidence of previous unsavory behavior. The firing of the Assistant coach who reacted physically is totally appropriate.
Stephen Landes
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
A one game suspension for actions resulting in a brawl? OSU got it right when they fired Woody Hayes for his on-field breach. Losing one's self-control in front of the young people you are supposed to be helping to develop as young men (one of the oft stated justifications for high school sports and one in which I believe) is unforgivable and should be cause for termination.
ThinkingOne
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
I think you are forgetting MANY on-field breaches of conduct by Woody Hayes. He was only fired after he grabbed an opposing player and punched him. (And there are still many that believe that if he had apologized for it, then he would not have been fired.) Note that the assistant coach who actually started the physical contact WAS fired.
Stan Hyne
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
I am so dumb I thought school sports were to teach teamwork and sportsmanship. I didn't know this was a live or die, we must WIN time of life.
Jim Mulchay
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
What I found interesting was the part "The captains of the football teams met with school staff and the coaches this week to discuss specific ways they can work together to show solidarity. The captains are exploring some concrete ways to serve their community such as working with Alpha House and the Salvation Army. The teams are also investigating hosting football clinics for junior football players and the captains will be issuing a message jointly to the two schools." What seemed to be the problem was leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship - solidarity and community service are just fine, but I'd rather read that the captains were addressing the behavior / sportsmanship issues.
kathy coles
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.
Who taped the suspended coaches name to their helmet? Was it Pioneer?
Bashir McCrutcheon
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 12:45 a.m.
taping your suspended coach's name to your helmet is not really taking anything seriously
kathy coles
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
Is everyone forgetting that not all the kids were involved? Some kids from both sides were doing the right thing by staying back, those kids are accepting the punishment handed down to them with grace. Both teams will be going into their games tonight with less players and coaches. It is just as hard for these kids to move pass this when the adults continue to bash all of them because they happened to be on the field playing a game they love when everything went on. We should be giving these kids some credit that they chose to do the right thing.
LincolnSchoolMom
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
So, they want to put these brawlers in charge of some younger more impressionable kids?
Laura Jones
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
Perhaps have Brady Hoke rip both coaches new ones, fire them, and tell the players that this kind of conduct will eliminate them from any hope of playing college ball. Why all the soft hearted dancing around the bad behavior? Call it what it is, load up the consequences for both coaches. work the players until they learn their lesson - or suspend their season. Make the lesson count or its all wasted time and effort. Anything these two coaches or their players have to offer their teams about sportsmanship is also a waste of time.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
I still really like the idea of having both teams have dinner together, spend some social time together, and have Brady Hoke address them on sportsmanship and what real teams are all about. Having the teams work separately to develop team work seems pointless to me. So we are bad sports. Let's get together separately and work to become what? Bigger poor sports?
Yourie
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7 p.m.
This is a sad situation all the way around. Bad sportsmanship is bad sportsmanship and the district should have ended the season of both teams. Statements on AA.com have said the Pioneer coach is a "GREAT" guy - how can that be when his players taunted the other team, they took to twitter bragging about the brawl and bragged about injuring a player. In being proud of injuring the player, they referred to him using the "N" word. Tacky and Pathetic. This is bad sportsmanship, bad parenting and bad decision by the district. Consequences and repercussions – make an example of them and it won't happen again.
Quitcrying
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
So he can't be a great guy because some of his player may misbehave, and the parents are bad based off of this situation alone? What a joke....I don't think they were helpless and getting taunted, while just sitting there like angels they possibly were all misbehaving, also make sure you expand your twitter search....I've saw several teams tweeting about their involvement. Is it really that serious to fix voting on a newspaper site? Is there a prize on votes that I am missing?
thecompound
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:06 p.m.
I have a feeling some of this "voting" is "fixed", you only need an email to get a user account. The fact that Yourie can see this on Twitter makes me wonder if AAPS bothered to do a little investigating?
Chicagobob
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
It's a shame that the above comment hasn't drawn lots of positive support and "votes up!"
A2comments
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
Releasing the QUANTITY of students does not violate privacy.
Quitcrying
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:50 a.m.
Lets use the number 10 for total player game suspensions between both teams, I hope that helps all concerned.
Unusual Suspect
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
We will read it and then and then we will know how many were suspended. That is what we'll do with it.
Quitcrying
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
How will we use this information?
rollingstone
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
Were the offending students suspended from school according to the Rights and Responsibilities handbook or just from a game? 'Fighting' can result in a 10 day suspension.
ThinkingOne
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
CLX you must be new to this forum if you think it's a 'Weird obsession with making sure that these kids are punished to the max.' That is pretty much the status quo on here for just about everything.
Quitcrying
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
It does seem quite odd, lets fix it and move on!
CLX
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
"Can" result is the operative term. My kids have witnessed plenty of fights on school grounds (and in the halls) and the kids are always back the next day. Weird obsession with making sure that these kids are punished to the max.
thecompound
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
Wonder how many parents will challenge their child's future suspensions based on these players only being suspended from a game?
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
The irony is that if AAPS students not on the team got in a fight while at the football game, they would be suspended from school. Seems like a double standard to me.
Steve in MI
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
I've seen a lot of discussion around the question of who's to blame for this incident. I think there is plenty of blame to go around. But as a Huron parent, I'll say this: Coach Gildersleeve's behavior on the field and on the bench was embarrassing. When a mature adult - a role model for our student athletes - objects to something that's happening on the field, there are appropriate ways of handling the situation. Throwing a screaming tantrum is NOT the way an adult handles this situation. Plenty of other people made wrong decisions Friday night, but I found Coach 'Sleeve's behavior to be the most embarrassing. Learn how to set an example for these young men, or GET OUT of our school.
Quitcrying
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
A tantrum that causes a brawl can't be good either.
Orangecrush2000
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
It's possible that Dottie Davis is Gildersleve's "role model."
PeteM
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
I agree with the previous response. If the story is correct that a Pioneer asst. began the physical altercation that is more embarrassing than throwing a tantrum.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
I agree with most of what you say....right up to " most embarrassing" . For me that award goes to the Pioneer assistant who got fired for throwing a punch...or whatever it was.
aanative
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
Thank God for this fight. It gives everyone a chance to complain about the coaches and the superintendent. Every item in AA.com gives everyone a chance to criticize grammar, spelling and follow up a actions taken.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
It also give a forum for you to complain about the complainers. Its a win-win. ;)
Pete Cunningham
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
I have received confirmation that the coaches will each be suspended a total of two games.
alarictoo
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
I know... Let's break her salary down to monthly allotments, then pay her that monthly amount for 12 months concurrently. I'll bet she and her lawyer figure out that definition right quick!
Stephen Landes
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
If that is the case then we are paying a lot of money for a superintendent who doesn't know the difference between concurrently and consecutively.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
So is that confirmation the Superintendent doesn't know the difference between concurrent and consecutive?
alarictoo
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
"Green's statement did not state how many players will be suspended from each team. Though district director of communications Liz Margolis previously stated the number of players suspended would be released, she said on Thursday the district eventually decided against doing that. "Our HR department and administration decided that's not something we're going to be releasing due to the district's privacy policies," Margolis said." For lack of a stronger word... Baloney! If that is the case, than releasing student counts would also be a violation of the district's privacy policies. Let's try a new song, Liz!
Bashir McCrutcheon
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
Suspensions mess with the numbers for the discipline gap. Patty can't have that.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
The thing is anyone who goes to the game will know who was suspended. They just have to compare the roster with who isn't suited up. So its not like the confidentiality game has any real legs.
Steve in MI
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
It's just a convenient coincidence that upholding student privacy will help prevent further embarrassment to the district. Right?
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
So if the school district isn't going to name players then I guess I need to go to the games and compare the roster with who is suited up? Please note I'm being sarcastic, but it seems to me the "list of miscreants" would be that easy to have.
Pete Cunningham
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 3:41 p.m.
Rosters are rarely up to date. For example, we posted a story about Huron player Quavon Smith yesterday, who is most definitely on the team but not on the team's roster.
Quitcrying
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:16 p.m.
Some people will be busy this Friday....Good luck! Sounds pretty boring to me.
CLX
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
Yeah, but who is that darn interested? I don't get the obsession with this event.
bobslowson
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
Both programs should be suspended for the rest of the season, and forfeit any wins so far this year.
darre james
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
wowwwwwwwww
alarictoo
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
Perhaps the superintendent is confused about the definition of 'concurrent'...?
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Both head coaches should be fired for knowing better and not stopping the aggressive actions of the assistant coach from Pioneer. It is really that simple. They were in position of leadership and power to eject the assistant coach. They failed.
say it plain
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
They have to be concurrent because otherwise Pioneer might make it to the finals and then not have their coach to 'lead' them! What would become of their season?! Of Test's triumph!? That would be so um distressing to so many at Pioneer. And we can't have that, now, can we, not with all that is at stake for AAPS with such an outcome. Ugh.
A2brooksie
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
Don't know which is worse, the coach/players actions on Friday, or the administration's lack of taking it seriously. Both disgusting. I think they consulted Melinda Morris on this issue.
TMC216
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
Off Topic: I agree. I wish Melinda Morris a happy retirement. But in a inquiring moment, I question how she was ever elected and re-elected? Pathetic in all regards.
djm12652
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
hahahaha...spot on my friend....
Pete Cunningham
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
We had been told previously that the suspensions would be successive, as in the the district tacked on an additional game to the MHSAA's one-game suspension (1+1=2). We are following up to see if this is a typo by superintendent Green or if there has been an actual change.
Brad
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
It wasn't the readers that were confused.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
Both synonyms A2c. Obviously there was some confusion from the district regarding "concurrent" vs "consecutive", so we decided to go with successive to hopefully help clarify the decision to readers.
A2comments
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
I believe you mean consecutive
Tom Hager
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
No need to suspend players from either team. As this Friday's game should be the last regular season game, just have both teams forfeit their games.
ThinkingOne
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
Chicago, I fail to see how forfeiting a game is somehow a lesser action than suspending some players. I am not saying either is the correct thing to do, I just don't get the concept that a forfeiture is somehow going light on things.
Chicagobob
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
No need to suspend the players? Is this the "boys will be boys" approach to ignoring incidents that never should happen? It doesn't work in this case. The boys ought to begin to grow up and realize that their actions have consequences. I say, suspend them if they are found to be guilty. Further, this is an instance of "coaches will be boys" - and pretty immature and out of control boys at that. Hardy the kinds of role models that tax payer money should be used to pay.
Tom Hager
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
And the coaches should be fired.
TMC216
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
I was at the game. This was a mob/brawl and I was totally disgusted in witnessing this. These are high school "children" not adults by any stretch of the imagination. Both coaches, the AD and administration, who should be examples and teachers should be FIRED. End the season now with better leadership and teaching abilities next year.
BradP
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
Which is worse, The superintendent not knowing the difference between "concurrent" and "consecutive," or actually meaning concurrent?
BradP
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
If it's not a suspension, then what it the purpose of saying it? They can't be suspended twice. I'm going to go with she accidentally used the wrong word and she means consecutive. Or is football more important than coaches who need to be disciplined. Tell me it's consecutive.
Ron Granger
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
Test's documented history of unsportsmanlike conduct is ignored. There was plenty of warning leading up to this. Also ignored. Nothing to see here, folks. The AA school system invests far too many millions of taxpayer dollars to do anything substantive.
Orangecrush2000
Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
dk... Well, the fight is documentation, for one. But, try doing something like parking in Dottie's parking spot and see what happens?
dk
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.
What documented history of unsportmanlike conduct??????
Orangecrush2000
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:52 p.m.
Let's also note that these coaches don't exist in a "vacuum." They are supervised, directed, influenced, etc,..., with respect to personal conduct, by Athletic Directors. It's the Directors who "set the parameters" and influence all of those associated with their respective departments, including parents; whether they realize it, or accept said responsibility, or not. And, while "accidents happen;" make no doubt about it, in my opinion, this was no "accident." In my opinion, this was the "unintended consequence" of leadership failure; with respect to personal conduct, as well, at the Athletic Director level.
Ownit
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Lets also note the documented unprofessional conduct by Coach G as well.
Susie Q
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
These football teams already do a LOT of community service and raise monies for breast cancer research, homeless veterans of the military, among other things. While I do not condone the violence and inappropriate behavior, especially by the adults; I do believe some of the comments over the past week have been WAY over the top. This was an unfortunate, embarrassing incident, but has been dealt with accordingly.
ThinkingOne
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
But it is such a great chance to bring out all the tired cliches, such as the suggestion that the school board will set up a workshop 'where both Huron and Pioneer football players can all hold hands and sit around a campfire singing Kumbaya!'
CLX
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
Amen to that, but it apparently it is way more entertaining to bash a bunch of kids and to second guess everyone and everything. And of course it's a great opportunity for those who seem to detest sports programs to chime in endlessly.
Losingisntfun
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
I feel the same way, what ever happened to helping the youth?
Losingisntfun
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Awwww man, this concludes it? What will we blog about now?
Piledriver
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
Don't worry....the Ann Arbor Public School Board will next be hiring a consultant to the tune of $80,000 to $200,000 to advise them on setting up an athletic workshop where both Huron and Pioneer football players can all hold hands and sit around a campfire singing Kumbaya!
Brad
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
The "Sportsmanship gap"?
Brad
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
A one-game CONCURRENT suspension? The comments should be hopping on that one.
say it plain
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
Okay, it's all over now, Green's called it, never mind, and we'll do some joint (was it even to be jointly conducted Huron and Pioneer, this 'service' work!? Not completely clear from this statement) sorting of donated clothing or somesuch. Plus, the seniors, leaders and the best and all, will run some "clinics" to improve everyone's on-the-field strategizing for maximum tackle, maximum gains, pick your poison lol. Business as usual, everyone's sorry and healing, she said so! Except, the games football coaches and players play is on-going, as WXYZ reports. And, also, there is the sticky left-over matter of criminal charges. I wonder what kind of sway AAPS might have with police, and how lawyered up they are at any given moment! What are their insurance bills like to cover child well-being, this makes me wonder!? Probably the athletes sign waivers, right, so, if they can argue that assault by a fellow student in a scene initiated or at least left uncontrolled by AAPS is just 'part of the game' they're golden!
Unusual Suspect
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
"The two head coaches have been issued a one game suspension from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and one game suspension from the Ann Arbor Public Schools. These suspensions will be served concurrently." Concurrently. So, 1 + 1 = 1. "The captains are exploring some concrete ways to serve their community such as working with ... the Salvation Army." Oh, the Progressives are going to love this!
By Stander
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
The coaches should not only have been suspended from the game, but also the practices. Both coaches are poor role models for our young, impresionable adults and the audience who had to bear witness to bad behavior and sportsmanship. This incident is a poor reflection on the student players, school attendees and the professional sports administrators who should know better. It us not only the guilty who have been punished here, but also the hard working, innocent students and staff who have to tolorate injuducial decisions from an administration whose values are questionable.
An Arborigine
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
It isn't just the Super that is misusing words, so did her communications director and other staffers who undoubtedly proofed this statement.
alarictoo
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
The best part is that we are paying a highly educated professional $245,000 a year who does not understand the words she is using in messages to the community. Kinda makes you wonder about her other communications with the community, doesn't it?
dogman32
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
Seems not to know the difference between "Concurrently" and "Consecutively." That reminds me of a time many years ago when Judge Pat Conlin sentenced a yong man to serve two Life Sentences to run Consecutively. The defendant said, "I'll serve the first one but I don't know how I'll do the second one." To which Judge Conlin, peering down over his half-rim glasses, "You just do the best you can."
BobbyJohn
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Sad when our superintendent of schools doesn't know the definition of words she is using. What kind of example is that for our children.
Pete Cunningham
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
I have received confirmation that the coaches are each suspended for a total of two games.
alarictoo
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
Perhaps the superintendent is confused about the definition of 'concurrent'...?
Pete Cunningham
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
We had been told previously that the suspensions would be successive, as in the the district tacked on an additional game to the MHSAA's one-game suspension (1+1=2). We are following up to see if this is a typo by superintendent Green or if there has been an actual change.