MHSAA suspends Huron and Pioneer head football coaches; Ann Arbor Public Schools silent on actions
Huron High School head football coach Cory Gildersleeve, left, and Pioneer head coach Paul Test have both been suspended by the MHSAA.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
- Ann Arbor superintendent: Football brawl violated friendship, healthy rivalry between high schools
- Six second half personal fouls escalated tension before Pioneer-Huron brawl
- Ann Arbor Public Schools officials meeting Monday to determine next steps in aftermath of football brawl
- Mother of Huron player injured in high school football brawl: 'It's just terrible'
- One victim sent to hospital, no arrests made after on-field brawl at Huron, Pioneer football game
Ann Arbor Public Schools director of communications Liz Margolis confirmed Monday evening that Huron and Pioneer head football coaches Cory Gildersleeve and Paul Test have been suspended by the Michigan High School Athletic Association for their roles in last Friday’s brawl between the two schools.
Margolis went on to say that there could be further consequences for both coaches, as well as players and assistants for both teams taken by AAPS, but that that information would not be released to the public because of district policy. Those decisions will be made in the next 24 hours.
“We’re still working through our investigation. We are making further notices to those involved.” Margolis said. “We’re taking this by a day-by-day basis.”
Both teams will be allowed to compete in their respective regular season finales on Friday night.
Margolis said video footage of the fight will also not be released to the public.
“We are not going to make the videos public because they contain actions by minors and we have to protect minors.” Margolis said. “There is also concern about retaliation. For the safety of the students and staff we are not releasing the footage.”
When asked if there would be any sort of public meeting for the community to attend and ask questions about the incident, Margolis said there were no such events scheduled at this time.
Meanwhile, the mother of a Huron High School football payer injured in Friday’s melee said her son’s health is not improving after he suffered a concussion and required five stitches in his left cheek. Will Harris was struck in the face by a crutch and had his head stepped on during the fight.
Debbie Harris said her son’s headaches were worse Sunday than they had been earlier in the weekend and their severity increased whenever he attempted to do any “light activities.”
Will did not have to return to the hospital, but has been advised to return if his symptoms worsen. He did not attend school on Monday.
Debbie Harris said her family has been contacted by the Ann Arbor Police Department and is cooperating in their investigation. She added that her family had not received any sort of update from the school district concerning punishments being handed out to those involved.
Police are currently reviewing tapes of the incident before determining if any criminal charges will be filed.
Margolis said AAPS officials are working with the police to help in their investigation.
The Pioneer football team (5-3 on the season) is scheduled to play Livonia Franklin Friday night. If the Pioneers win, they would be guaranteed a playoff spot. Huron (0-8) plays at Westland John Glenn High School.
Along with the coaches, any player who was ejected by the MHSAA following last week’s fight will also not be allowed to participate on Friday.
Huron principal Arthur Williams and Pioneer interim principal Kevin Hudson released the following joint statement on Monday evening:
Dear Huron and Pioneer High School Families,
It is with a heavy heart that we share with you our concern regarding the incident that occurred during the Pioneer vs. Huron Varsity football game on Friday, October 12, 2012. This was an inexcusable and embarrassing situation for our students, the schools and the Ann Arbor Community. We all were affected by the actions that took place at Friday’s football game.
The incident was both unnecessary and tarnished the reputations of two outstanding schools. On behalf of the administration and staff, we will work diligently to rebuild the confidence in these programs by engaging both teams and coaching staffs in community service activities, team building and dedicated trainings on leadership skills.
Several investigations are in process including the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the District and the Ann Arbor Police Department.
We thank both the Huron and Pioneer communities for their support and patience as we work together to rebuild community spirit and collegiality between our two schools.
Matt Durr covers sports for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
NewStart
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 10:37 p.m.
Leave Coach Test alone...he just let his 2nd and 3rd string players get a chance to play the game of football for a change...
NewStart
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
I have been liking football less and less lately anyway. What's the difference between this crappy ending and head butting or trying to "take a player out of the game".....it's not fun when some a-hole tries to take your shoulder off after you catch a pass or rip your head off when tackled or even rip the ball out of your hands as you are tackled.....where's the sportsmanship in THAT!? And the crowd roars.....PA LEASE, civilized (?)people.
15crown00
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 7:30 a.m.
where's your next stop Cory?
Dennis
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
In high school I was involved in a couple of Pioneer - Huron games that got testy in the the end, including one where someone threw a punch. The difference is our coaches defused the situation, they didn't encourage it. They showed class and weren't childish. Of course those coaches now coach at Lincoln. Both of these coaches should be fired. This is completely unacceptable.
Chicagobob
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
If you want to see what's wrong with high school football, just take a look at Gildersleeve's face and the appearance in the photo that he had to be restrained from acting inappropriately by someone. Just imagine if a high school history teacher acted in this way,. What would happen to him or her? But for some reason inappropriate actions are tolerated in football. The coach's actions send the wrong message to high school students. Is he an educator or a bully? He's certainly not a role model for his players. Ann Arbor taxes shouldn't be used to pay someone like this.
AlwaysaHuron
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
Please correct me if I am wrong............isn't this the second brawl involving football players under Eve Claar's watch, who remembers the large fight involving the Lincoln Football Players at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival two years ago. It all boils down to leadership at the top, or in this case, the LACK OF! If you can't be a leader then its time to GO!
Orangecrush2000
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.
Davis and Claar, ...it's time to go.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
"Margolis went on to say that there could be further consequences for both coaches, as well as players and assistants for both teams taken by AAPS." There better be. This sort of thing cannot happen again... EVER!
A2centsworth
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
What they are not saying here, is that the coaches started it. One coach shoved another, then a coached punched the opposing team coach, then the players got involved. All this because the winning team would not honor the "gentlemen's agreement" that if a team is willing by a large number of points, they are to back off the opposing team rather than run them into the ground. The players took their cues from the coaches, not the other way around. Both teams should be made to sit out for the remainder of the season, and these coaches should be fired.
Gerry
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Neither team should continue this season. They have brought shame to the community and demonstrated that their programs have failed to teach honorable sportmanship. With what I've seen here, I sure wouldn't allow my children to play football in AAPS.
chapmaja
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
I think this incident might have Mr. Gildersleeve looking for a new job. This isn't his first issue, as he was suspended from a previous job for getting a DUI. IIRC this was a 1 season suspension from Hartland HS. The simple fact seems to be he is a good coach with a attitude and behavior issue that isn't properly being addressed by him. I am not blaming him for the 0-8 record. Huron seems to have a lot of issues with the athletic department and the football program is just one aspect of these problems. It goes higher than the coaches.
Orangecrush2000
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
They problem is, neither AD will wear the shoe unless forced to. Otherwise, we would've heard them speak out publicly against the violence, on their own. They seemed more interested in "the investigation" than in the interest of the kids. The kids NEED an adult who's unafraid, or actually knows it's important, to say, ""Violence is wrong." I think it's too bad that we had to wait three days for the principals to speak up on their behalves, or should I say "behinds?" btw, isn't the Pioneer AD a previous assistant in the Pioneer Athletic Department to Lorin Cartwright? It seems to me that Cartwright is partially responsible as well, although she definately jumped ship at the right time.
Ownit
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
If the shoe fits wear it.
David Cahill
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
I see the AAPS is in full cover-up mode. Disheartening.
28's..andtheydon'trub
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
I saw the fight on more than one cell phone already... Soon to be youtube hit, its 2012 everything is on camera!!!
Walter
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
Not surprised by this at all after seeing how the Pioneer team behaved when they played here in Dexter earlier this season. They were pushing our kids around after plays, taking cheap shots, etc. Many more penalties could have been called. And they were very rude and undisciplined as they were leaving to board their bus. It's apparent that this is how they are coached and it reflects very poorly on the school and Ann Arbor, but again not surprised.
thecompound
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
@ Lisa, resubmit email but go higher up than Pioneer--administration needs to hear things like this to prevent what happened Friday night.
Lisa Hartmann
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
I am a proud Dexter Mom. My son played in that game. Dexter boys showed unbelievable class and sportsmanship with the amount of trashtalk they received. This trashtalk also came from Coaches on the sidelines directed at our players. During the handshake line most/many PiHi boys would not even shake hands. I was disgusted by Pioneer. After the game I went up to Coach Hanes to tell him good game and that I for one missed Coach Barbieri. This coachs' remark to me was UNBELIEVABLE! He stated " Ya, right. I'd like to play your your team just once without having to take a knee and beat them 100 to nothing like we should have" (I changed a couple of words to make this less offensive). I was shocked. The following Monday I emailed all of the higher ups at PiHi to tell them this horrible exchange. The reponses were pathetic. "IF one of our coaches said that I'm sorry". I was asked to call the AD. I left a message and never heard back. It is not about winning or losing. It's about Class, which Pioneer obviously has none of. By the way I am a Huron grad and my entire family went to Pioneer. I used to love and respect both.
Quitcrying
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
The statements that you came up with that displayed undisciplined behavior was very toned down for 16 year olds and 17 year olds......"Loser town" and "what a bunch of losers". The reason that I assumed that you were a Dexter parent or supporter was due to the fact that you referred to being at the game and clearly you weren't there for Pioneer, so please excuse my assumption. As for little league games, yes Ann Arbor has them as well as several other cities, you probably should get out of Dexter more, you will see and hear more things......adds character....I'm just saying!
Walter
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Why do I have to be a Dexter parent or supporter to find the behavior unacceptable. I would have been embarrassed if it was one of my kids (i.e. a Pioneer parent). And as far as hearing worse at Little League games, where are you going to games...Ann Arbor? I ask because I haven't seen that little league or youth football league games here in Dexter. Just sayin...
Quitcrying
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
Dexter supporter, not a parent yet! okay, anywho, I have heard worse at little league games, than "loser town". Please know that I am not promoting any, "rude and/or undisciplined" behaviors though when someone is "not suprised" about a brawl I like to seek clarification. Great thoughts, they are like.......everyone has them!
Walter
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Actually no, none of my children are in high school yet. As the Pioneer players were walking back to the bus they were shouting out things like "what a bunch of losers", "loser town", and the like. I could be wrong, but I doubt there is a single parent out there that wouldn't find that type of behavior troubling. If you don't then maybe you're part of the problem. Just a thought...
Quitcrying
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
Dexter parent? Not suprised! Wonder would the response be the same if your team won, and the behavior was still, "very rude and undisciplined". Just a thought...
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:13 p.m.
Some people here need to calm down. At the time this article was printed, exactly ONE business day had occurred since the time of the fight. That is hardly enough time for three separate entities (AAPS, MHSAA, AAPD) to conduct their investigations and announce the results and the steps they will take. Various complaints about AAPS not doing something before MHSAA, covering things up, etc, are ridiculous. I am with those who want something done as a result of this, but I also don't want anything done as a knee-jerk reaction. I want the right results. In a confusing mess like this incident, there are likely dozens of people to interview, including many that had to be in class on Monday, either as a teacher or a student, and many who have jobs they have to go to, and some who may be out of town on business. I expect actions to be taken, but I want it done right. Expecting this to be solved in a single business day is unreasonable, to put it nicely.
ummsw
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
Thank you..well said!!
America
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:07 p.m.
Suspend the Ann Arbor football program for two full seasons. Ensure nobody from the old regime is allow to participate when it is reinstated. That might give a slight indication that education is more important than football.
Chase Ingersoll
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
Very Mark Dantonio of all of them. Definitely Michigan State material.
15crown00
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 7:34 a.m.
ok Mr. Uni M whatever u say
bluemax79
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
really sad that the MHSAA has to step in to do the jobs of the AD's at these schools. similar to last year when #2 tried to twist Denards head off and break his neck and msu officials did nothing, their DC even bragged that their style is 60 minutes of unnecessary roughness. Pioneer and Huron's admin had their chance to do the right thing and send a message, they didn't now the state has to step in and do their jobs. the AD's should be fired as well for having no integrity
AlwaysaHuron
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
I agree Bluemax79, this is the second major incident under Eve Claars tenure, she was the AD at Lincoln when the football team got into a brawl.........ask anyone at Lincoln, ZERO Leadership!
Jim Mulchay
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
I believe the MHSAA action (like the Ann Arbor police review) is independent of the AAPS (and schools ADs); It is likely based on the MHSAA game officials' report - since one article says the coaches were ejected by the officials this is (I believe) an automatic suspension from the MHSAA and the schools have no input on this (although they could have appealed the suspensions). The fact the AAPS review does not seem to be complete is likely because the AAPS, school principals, board of education and the superintendent all have gotten into this - that is not the fault of the ADs.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
What is the duration of the coaches suspensions?
RayA2
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 11:05 a.m.
While I too believe that this was an inexcusable act by those involved, I believe that justice will require time. A melee, by its very definition is a chaotic event. There will be the aggressors and those defending themselves. I hope that the school board takes the time to get it right and ignores the calls to burn the witches.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Hey, Ray...C'mon, Sheriff! Turn him over to us or we will bust in and take him out to the hangin' tree.
Blue Marker
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
I agree Ray, as bad as this brawl is due-diligence is required. A rush to judgment can make things worse. Perhaps we should let those in charge do their jobs before we decide they're not.
greymom
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 10:54 a.m.
To me this picture shows the Huron Coach being held back, the Pioneer Coach holding kids back, as well as Hurons Athletic Director holding people back. The look on the Athletic Directors face is a face of total discuss. I know the family of the injured child- hope Will is doing better! I see no reason why both teams seasons should not be over!!! It is very sad that all of this has happened. And I bet you anything we will not hear what the District decides to do because honestly- lets just brush it under the carpet, in a few days no one will remember- wrong!
Orangecrush2000
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.
The director and coaches are "refereeing" the mess they created.
olddog
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 10:52 a.m.
The headline we should have seen MHSAA APPLAUDS AAPS ON SWIFT ACTION AND SAY NO FURTHER ACTION NEEDED. Instead we see the school system cowering and refusing to take swift action. What a shame we have wasted so many tax dollars on football instead of sportsmanship.
Brad
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
Anybody that thinks that AAPS and MHSAA didn't come up with this "action" in cooperation is kidding themselves.
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 10:44 a.m.
"We have FOIA'd the video." Thank you Paula!
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 10:42 a.m.
"Margolis said video footage of the fight will also not be released to the public. "We are not going to make the videos public because they contain actions by minors and we have to protect minors." Margolis said. "There is also concern about retaliation. For the safety of the students and staff we are not releasing the footage."" Open and transparent? For an organization that is talking about shooting out a new millage for operations, I would suggest you think twice about forcing the media and the public into filing a FOIA request every time A2 schools wants to hide information. I have no view on what should happen with the people involved, but it's disgusting AA Public School seems to be in love with hiding information.
PineyWoodsGuy
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 8:02 a.m.
If the Super + Board of Education does not take control, then they are useless and should be Replaced!!
Fredric
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 5:37 a.m.
The coaches were involved and suspended, What about the ast. Coaches involved and the players. They all should be suspended. As for the season, Think it should be ended right now, let these young men know that you can not do these types of things. I know several were most likely not involved in the fight but many were. They must be accountable. I am a grad of Pioneer, class of 61. We hac some skirmeshes but never anything like this. This will aloways be in the back of someones mind!! A sorry situtation!!!
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
I agree about the two schools involved, but there is still a problem about cancelling a game and killing the fun and enjoyment of this week's opponents. Talk about unfair punishment!
PineyWoodsGuy
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:55 a.m.
Permit me to observe that at age 17 You Are an Adult! (Hey yins lawyers on this board, support me on this!). The conduct post game was totally and Completely Outrageous! This is Not a "boys-will-be-boys" thing! I pay a ton of taxes to the School District. I tell yins this: If the Highly-Paid Public Servant Adults Do Not Take Charge, they will hear from me publicly, frequently and loudly! I Hate that our tax dollars are thrown down for this kind of student conduct!
Fredric
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 5:39 a.m.
Not just student conduct. What about the adult conduct?
newsmuse
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
There are grammatical errors in the first sentence of the principals' statement, and also the first sentence of the second paragraph. Maybe the principals could run their statement by one of our high school English teachers. He or she could explain the grammatical errors to them.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
Have one of the kids review it and do some editing. Couldn't hurt.
AMOC
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
Maybe. Maybe not. I have been finding grammatical errors and misspellings in a lot of the communications received from the schools, including those from some of my kids' English teachers.
AnnArborEvents
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:44 a.m.
There's really not much possibility of long-term cover up or excessive legal discretion. Minors or adults have not been not protected when web pages and videos were posted showing civil unrest or violence at other public sporting events. Nor can they be protected if the same thing occurs by posting iPhone videos, regardless of whether someone files under the freedom of information acts to eventually obtain the information. Even if the local and state legal system wanted to cover this up, they have to prosecute everyone seen breaking the law in the video. Anything short of this will put officials within law enforcement and the legal system at risk. Maybe next time we can use censorship to ban video cameras and cell phones at public school events to try to keep the details of illegal behavior under cover ;)
AnnArborEvents
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
Cover-Up or Delayed Release of Public Information? If the video is not eventually released to the public, then the AAPS, MHAA, and law enforcement agencies may appear as if they are "above the law" and operating to cover up the incident. Does a reporter need to take action under the Freedom Of Information Act, or will this video become available in a timely manner? Will the video be censored or destroyed in hopes that no other iPhone videos exist in the hands of the public? This incident occurred in public, and censorship can not protect any faculty, student, or staff involved. The public has a legal right to view what happened. I imagine there will be iPhone versions of the video released soon, and eyewitness accounts of this display of violence. If this occurs, the unreleased video will be required as legal evidence, and the public might get the truth they deserve to see. It is a very unethical and risky governance practice to try to cover up or prevent criminal prosecution by censoring a video of violence involving adults and student athletes within the public school system.
theodynus
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
This isn't censorship, nor are they destroying it. The owners of this video (presumably the school) are choosing not to release it. That's not censorship. It'd only be censorship if the government were forcing private individuals not to release video.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:08 a.m.
What a stretch! Conspiracy,coverup. WOW! Me thinks someone is more concerned with their own curiosity than anything else!
ThinkingOne
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4 a.m.
Why wait another 24 hours for the schools to release their decision? Go ahead and post the cover-up theory now - for the second time already. Although I have no knowledge of whether they have video or not, I would bet that the MHSAA made its determination based upon the reports from the officials at the game. That is their normal way of doing business. Additionally, they are not going to have any real authority over the players involved. So their scope was very focused and they had the least work to do; therefore they are done already. The schools and the police have way more territory to cover, so their investigation is taking longer. The schools have said they will issue their report in '24 hours'; the police are still investigating. When you are involved with dozens of people and talking about ending careers and possible criminal charges, it should take some amount of time to make sure you are correct in your investigations.
PineyWoodsGuy
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.
When was the last time 2 high school football teams engaged in a post-game brawl? I cannot think of any. If the adults would engage in courageous leadership this would occur: the season for Pioneer and Huron would be cancelled. Their scheduled Friday games against Westland John Glenn and Livonia Franklin would be re-scheduled to: Westland vs Livonia. And don't tell me about the state championship game. Pioneer has forfeited its opportunity to seek the honor. But, of course, what can we expect from adults? No leadership = teenboy brawls and serious injuries.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:05 a.m.
Google high school football brawl and you will see this was not the first by a long shot!
Terry Star21
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
Matt D.; I thought that was a great article. As you can see by the comments, a lot of these people missed out on the educational part. Ann Arbor Public schools will be complete in their investigation of this incident, and any discipline to coaches/players. I am relieved that in addition, the A2 Police Department is also being complete, and that any outsde (public) involvement will be handled in an appropriate manner.
Iliketurtles
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:58 a.m.
I don't understand why so many people are so opinionated on this one. I don't think they should take action for this immediately because that is when you get things wrong. Just look what happened at Penn State last fall. There were accusations and then there was a media firestorm and a man that had done so much good for the university was thrown under the bus. This is all because people were on a witch hunt. They want to blame someone and see it all go away. Guess what? It doesn't work that way. There needs to be cold hard facts and administrators need to put things in perspective and anticipate what might come of any actions they take.
Iliketurtles
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
Paterno was told by his boss that they would take care of it. It was there job to do so and if Paterno acted on it he could have found himself in a lot of trouble. Paterno said he wished in hindsight he would have done more because he was sorry for what happened, at the time he thought he had taken the right action and this is the action the teach you in sexual amuse prevention. He says he wishes he would have done more because he is very sorry for the victims. Paterno would have never covered up for a pedophile. NEVER. I know people will answer this telling me he covered up for a pedophile, that is because they've been poisoned by the media and refuse to read what is written above.
IMissThePaper
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:35 p.m.
I have read about the Penn State situation in all news reports and the well-written best seller book about the culture at Penn State. JoePa used his influence and power to bury the investigations. He is not solely responsible for the abuse, but indeed is responsible for not putting a stop to it.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
The man admitted in public that he probably should have done more. Come on. You are head coach. You are a god on campus. What you say...goes! So this perve is abusing innocent children, and you report it to your boss. Would YOU let it go at that? Or would you check on it to make sure it was being dealt with? Meeting minimum reporting requirements is not what a truly good person does. He makes sure. Yes, Mr. Paterno did a lot of good. He also allowed a terrible evil to continue without following up to make sure it was finished. If not, call the cops yourself. No sympathy here.
Iliketurtles
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
Joe was a role model to many. If any of you knew anything about the life of Joe Paterno outside of what MIGHT have gone on when the allegations were reported to him then you would never say these things about him. If you have ever taken a sexual abuse prevention class, which I assume you haven't, then you would know that the first thing hat you do when an incident is reported to you is to report it to your boss. Joe Paterno cleary followed the steps that you take in these cases and people still try to frame him as a villain.
Brad
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Poor Joe the pedophile protector. Give us a break. He got off easy.
Ed Kimball
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
I assume the "man" you're referring to was Joe Paterno. I wouldn't say he was thrown under the bus. I would say he lay down right in its path by failing to take adequate action to make sure the accusations were properly investigated. It's too bad, because I agree that he had done a lot of good for the university in other ways.
say it plain
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.
Wow, both teams still get to play this weekend?! That's frankly sorta shocking to me. Are there commercial interests involved or something that would explain why alleged assault can happen, a giant melee involving multiple players and coaches and so on, and the *high school* teams still get to play out their seasons?! Can't they have the teams who were slated to play Pioneer and Huron respectively play against each other instead maybe? Just seems like the wrong message to send if we're actually interested in discouraging this kind of behavior...
say it plain
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.
'salright, @Craig ;-) Nobody can be top-game every outing... and thanks @chapmaja for those comments, I realized there might have been systemic and/or historical reasons why it wouldn't be that easy to work a new game out for the teams slated to play Pioneer and Huron. I am just shocked that they will be getting to play more football before something kind of 'big' happens to address the totally inappropriate scene the programs were involved in. I guess AAPS will feel that firing the Asst Coach at Pioneer will 'do for now' and we'll see what happens next. If they keep on with the attitude of "we'll tell you when we're done, and we will share next to nothing about our processes", they will merely be affirming what a lot of people think about their style, but I don't think they lose sleep over it in any case!
chapmaja
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
I am a bit shocked the game would go on as well. I expected at least one team, and likely both to be suspended for the next week and thus the rest of the season. As for the idea of the teams who were supposed to play the AA schools playing each other. Been there, done that. Both Franklin and John Glenn are members of the KLAA South and have already played (27-7 Frankin win). The other reason you wouldn't just have those two play is simple. The decision to end the season would not have been made till Monday. By that time, the opponents have already spent a lot of time and effort preparing to play a certain opponent. It's not fair to them to just change the opponent on Monday before a Friday game.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
sorry say it plain, my comment was meant for the open field. Not sure how I got it under yours. I must not have been on top of my game. ;)
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
I don't care to see any "iphone" video of the incident. But I sure would like to see some Android video. sincerely, Android Honk.
kms
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
Coaches are suspended for how long? Indefinitely? The article said something about suspended players won't be able to play on Friday. Were players suspended?
thecompound
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Thanks for the info chapmaja. Also, just to clarify, i was wondering if dnb's statement that two students were suspended meant suspended from school or just the game? I also agree with you about the crutch incident, I think they will be able to figure out who did that based on footage and social media.
chapmaja
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
The MHSAA's suspension policy states that anyone ejected from a contest shall be suspended from the next contest. This does not impact that persons ability to coach at practice or participate in practices during the suspension. The coaches under the MHSAA suspension are allowed to coach the team during the week, but may not attend the game this week (even as a spectator, they are prohibitted from being on site) The same goes for players ejected as a result of the MHSAA's actions. Since officials were still on the field, officials reports had to be filed and anyone invovled in the fight was subject to an MHSAA suspension because fighting means automatic ejection and ejection means suspension. Any punishment the AAPS adds on top of the MHSAA's actions is simply that, added on top. There should be plenty of suspensions from school handed down, and at least one student (swinging the crutch), should be facing explusion over this. Using the crutch as a weapon should be assualt with a weapon and subject to the most severe school district punishment, explusion. The MHSAA typically won't release officials reports, and the school district won't release reports. This means the only way any reports will be released is via AAPD investigation. The school district and the MHSAA are generally not required to release this info as FOIA requests, while the AAPD may be required, depending on factors including the ages of those invovled (im sure some were 18).
thecompound
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.
Suspended from school or suspended from Friday's game?
DNB
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
@kms There have been players suspended at Pioneer. My Pioneer student personally knew two that had been suspended. That is not to say there aren't more, he could only mention two by name. AAPS has indicated several times they will not release the names of the minor students, or the punishments that are doled out to them. Students have been privy to a lot of this information, thanks to social media.
jpud
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.
Ann Arbor schools should have led on cleaning up this mess, rather than waiting for others to lead. Even now, they could say "we accept the discipline of the MHSAA and will not appeal the suspensions." Instead, too little is said too late. It is still not clear if these coaches are banned from contact with their teams and the rest of our community's children or just suspended from competition. We need definition of what "suspended" means from the MHSAA. Are these coaches out of the lockroom immediately and replaced with people with impeccable credentials? The job of the school district is not to teach the coaches sportsmanship. The school district should hire coaches who know what sportsmanship is and are here to teach the students sportsmanship. Let's be clear about who the teachers/coaches are and who the students are.
jpud
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
By all accounts, failed leadership led to a brawl which has left at least one student with a closed head injury. It may not be known for years what the long term consequences are of this injury to the student who was allegedly kicked in the head while on the ground. Let's hope he has a speedy, sustained and full recovery. Let's also recognize that this is an emotionally charged time, and the best course of action is to defuse the situation.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:59 a.m.
jpud PLEASE! "It is still not clear if these coaches are banned from contact with their teams and the rest of our community's children" What? These guys are not child molesters! They are two coaches with no record of anything but very poor judgement/control in this case, but there is no evidence I have heard that either one of them attacked a player! To insinuate that they are a danger to "our community's children" is ludicrous !
longtime AA
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
While I can see the point jpud is making, I disagree with part of it. The job of the school district/athletic directors/principals is to make sure the coaches DO teach sportsmanship and DO act in a proper manner of good sportsmanship when coaches are hired, are they asked about sportsmanship, or just wins and losses? Do they have an organized way of teaching sportsmanship? Does the athletic director make sure this is followed? Is there a school-wide manner of teaching sportsmamship? I know this sounds picky, but if we keep repeating "Sports teaches much in addition to athletic skills," then we have to check that we actually teach these things. Much money goes to athletics, from the district, from parents, from sponsors--we need to do the necessary checking to make sure this money goes for the right things..
John Roos
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
Excuse me I couldn't resist: The photo looks like a promo for The World Wrestling Federation! Or too many episodes of Friday Night Lights
InsideTheHall
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
A2.com should get a copy of the MHSAA report and post it.
tom swift jr.
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
Ann Arbor Schools has failed the test on this one.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.
tom Please explain where they failed.
Terry Star21
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:03 a.m.
How ? The investigation is still continuing....
nickcarraweigh
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
Folks will be talking about this for decades, like the 1958 sucker run in the Huron River.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
I remember that sucker run like it was yesterday. I still wake up in a cold sweat from the nightmares.
Brad
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
Sure they will. The old sour grapes brawl of '12. Not.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
I would like to thank AA.com for printing the text of the message from Williams. He left it on our answering machine, but it was every bit as incoherent as I have come to expect from that man. Kudos to MSHAA for seeing the obvious and suspending both coaches. Clearly there were issues on both sides of the field.
jns131
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Never had a problem hearing any of his messages. Including the emails I get as well. Turn up the hearing aide maybe?
Terry Star21
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 2:02 a.m.
We hear you on the Principal !
Engineer
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : midnight
Ah; more coverage of the brawl but annarbor.com continues to ignore the Cascades conference and the other small schools in the county. There are more articles on the "bad boys" than sentences on the well behaved teams around the county. Wonder why those who crave attention lean towards bad behavior. Four sentences on winning a share of the cascades crown is as ridiculously low as the endless stream of dribble about the "brawl" is excessive. It is interesting to see it being swept under the rug. Ashamed when it could be used as such a good learning tool for those athletes in the future.
Paula Gardner
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 10:36 a.m.
We don't plan to add the Cascades Conference to our core coverage area. If you're looking for news on those teams, you might check the Jackson section of www.mlive.com.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:53 a.m.
Engineer Correct me if I am wrong but I believe Manchester in the ONLY Wastenaw County team in the Cascades conference! I believe most other small schools that play schools IN the county get coverage. Swept under the rug? How can you say in one sentence "more coverage of the brawl but " and "endless stream of dribble about the "brawl" Then say it is being "Swept under the rug"?
Youwhine
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
So the school might not release the video, but if the AAPD has it as part of an investigation, A2.com could always FOIA it. This idiotic incident will live forever in infamy. Mostly because high school football will probably be the crowning achievement in the lives of almost all who were involved in the fight.
ArthGuinness
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:18 p.m.
I came here to mention FOIA. Like it or not, it's a done deal - the videos will be released by law.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:42 a.m.
Youwhine If you have never made a bad choice or been involved in a fight as a kid then maybe you do have the right to demean a high school KID that makes a bad choice.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.
Youwhine While getting caught up in the fight was not a good choice. It hardly calls for someone demeaning them to the point as to suggest they will never amount to anything.
Andrew
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
Wit, good looks, and saving the world from peril... You must be the Doctor.
Youwhine
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
Well, jcj, I doubt that anybody wants to hear about my crowning achievements as an incredibly charming problem-solver whose quick wit, good looks, and Macgyver-like abilities to save humanity from peril... but if they do, they can always discuss them with me over a beer as opposed to over the web. It would appear as though you incorrectly interpreted (or misread, or assumed) my post as calling out ALL high school football players. If you reread, you will see that I was addressing those involved in the fight. So that would include the two idiot coaches to start with. I am sure there are some good kids on these teams. They would be the ones who DIDN'T get involved in a melee over an inconsequential high school football game.
Paula Gardner
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
We have FOIA'd the video.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.
Let me rephrase this. There are plenty of high school football players with crowning achievements even some posters here would be happy to have.
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
Youwhine Please tell us what your crowning achievement has been.
Andrew
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.
It was also a high school football game. Someone has footage of it on their phone. I'm actually suprised it hasn't been posted on youtube yet.
JGS
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
Not trying to be a grammar nazi here, but the front page says, "Ann Arbor Public Schools director of communications Liz Margolis confirmed Monday evening that Huron and Pioneer head football coaches Cory Gildersleeve and Paul Test have been suspended by the MHSAA for their rolls in an on-field brawl." Note "ROLLS" probably should be roles, but you know this. Darn spell check isn't that smart.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
Spell check does not determine how "our" news media / journalists perform their essential duties to the American public: the Profit Motive DOES. The pay rates for journalists are dropping - much like the pay rates for major retail chain employees. This is known to be intentional: the management "philosophy" which says: "More work, less pay equals competitiveness" is responsible.
PineyWoodsGuy
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:03 a.m.
48104's reply about "gluten-free" was a stroke of comedic genius! ROTFLMAO!!!
Julie Baker
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.
Indeed. That's fixed. Thanks.
48104
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
Maybe the field was supposed to be gluten-free and they were bringing contraband bread products to throw at one another.
48104
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
So, I got a phone call from the two principals. How is that AAPS being "silent" on this?
jns131
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
I think the community is expecting more out of this. I agree, AAPS did what they did and left it up to MHSAA. Good decision. I also think both teams needs to be suspended as well. Otherwise, I agree with this decision.
Ron Granger
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
"We are not going to make the videos public because they contain actions by minors and we have to protect minors." Coverup! The videos always contain "actions by minors".
jcj
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 4:11 a.m.
Ann Arbor You proved my previous post!
AnnArborEvents
Tue, Oct 16, 2012 : 3:47 a.m.
Maybe next time we can use a censorship policy to ban video cameras and cell phones at public school events to try to keep the details of illegal behavior under cover ;) Maybe it will become easier to legally carry guns (concealed weapons permit) than to release a video of the post game illegal violence?
jcj
Mon, Oct 15, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.
Off the wall comments are the norm here! What don't you get about protecting minors?