Pioneer assistant says he will not be suspended after apology for confrontation during brawl
Huron athletic director Dottie Davis stands between Huron coach Cory Gildersleeve and Pioneer coach Paul Test.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
Related story: Ann Arbor Huron-Pioneer football brawl: Student suspension totals to be released Thursday
A Pioneer High School assistant football coach who told Huron athletic director Dottie Davis to "deal with your team, we'll deal with our team," during Friday night’s Huron-Pioneer brawl said he will not face suspension after he issues an apology.
A source indicated to AnnArbor.com that linebackers coach Robert Eanes would face suspension for his post-game actions, but Eanes said Wednesday afternoon that he would be available to coach after he issues an apology.
In the aftermath of Friday night’s game, Davis worked to keep Huron and Pioneer players separated, prompting Eanes' comment.
"I realize that as an administrator that she was in charge and I basically should have kept my mouth shut," Eanes said.
Eanes said he sent a letter of apology to Davis Wednesday and is scheduled to meet with her Thursday, when he will apologize in person.
District spokesperson Liz Margolis confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Pioneer head coach Paul Test and Huron coach Cory Gildersleeve had been suspended two games and that one assistant had been relieved of his duties.
Eanes said the coach relieved of his duties was a Pioneer assistant who was the “first one into the fray” following an on-field confrontation between Test and Gildersleeve.
Gildersleeve was struck by a Pioneer assistant after he and Test had a heated exchange at midfield following the game. According to several accounts, including Test's, Gildersleeve pushed Test. Gildersleeve told AnnArbor.com he did not push Test.
Eanes said all other Pioneer coaches will be available to coach this week.
Eanes also said that while the district investigation into the incident is still ongoing, he expects 4-6 Pioneer players to face suspension. Pioneer plays Livonia Franklin Friday with a playoff berth on the line.
Margolis said Tuesday that the district plans to release the final number of players suspended on Wednesday when the district's investigation is expected to conclude.
Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
dk
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:46 a.m.
"How is it possible that a newspaper article is written on this aspect of the brawl. " I apologize for this statement. The topic in and of itself is warranted. My feelings haven't changed one bit for people upset over the result, but that has nothing to do with the article.
Skiboski
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
Did you confirm these statements with anybody, or are you taking Robert Eanes word on it?
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
A direct question for Kyle Austin "According to several accounts, including Test's, Gildersleeve pushed Test. Gildersleeve told AnnArbor.com he did not push Test. " I think I have read most articles on this story. At what point did the "several accounts" come to be? Until now I thought all i ever read was that coach Test said he was pushed and coach Gildersleeve denied pushing him. Did I miss the addition of "several accounts"? What are the sources of these "several accounts" ? The police report? Some other source?
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
@ Craig, It was in the testimony that allegedly took place. Not sure which judge had the case though.
David
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:33 a.m.
Robert Eanes is an OFFENSIVE LINE coach at Pioneer High School, sorry that our website a2pihifootball.org lists him as OLB, but he's not.
Ownit
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:26 a.m.
Well I do see that there are coaching positions open for high school football as well as other high school sports, so all of those that feel they have a better solution and would be better coaches, please apply and show us instead blogging about what went wrong... I have 2 high school children at Pioneer and 1 on the football team and I would be forever greatful! Then again I am happy with our current staff and coaches.
Losingisntfun
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
Wondering why none of the "perfect" people want to coach to improve these kids? Must be too busy throwing stones at those who are. Couldn't resist, vote away!
dk
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 10:53 a.m.
I find it sickening that the majority of posters here, read that he avoided suspension by saying sorry and are outraged. My assumption is that they didn't read the article and only the headline or they just regurgitate what others before them have said. Either option is sad.
dk
Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.
towncryer...........sounds about right.
towncryer
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
Wow. Condescending much? Only your opinion is the correct one/allowed? I find that sad.
say it plain
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 4:45 a.m.
What's interesting about this story is that as @dk points out, merely saying "you deal with your team..." is being treated as a big deal in the context of a confusing assault scene. It is a fascinating reflection on the problematic culture of AAPS. What gets dealt with first and foremost? Violations regarding "place" within the system. Assistant coaches can't be "mouthing off" at the ADs, no, not going to tolerate *that*! The people in power, if they feel *personally* challenged, will issue suspensions and punishments, but taking steps to change the culture, to inculcate better values, to address serious charges, not so much.
say it plain
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
I really and truly hope so, @AngryModerate, and I suppose time will tell. It's poor info-management then, at the very least, to let this come out as it has, but not to have made more "we're serious about the deeply regrettable incidents here, and *mean* it" statements and actions. As the adults responsible for our kids, I'd hope that they would be as interested in protecting our children as protecting their sense of entitlement to professional and institutional "respect". That needs to be earned, as does my trust in them in the face of their tendency to put up walls to shield our eyes from how they operate!
Angry Moderate
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 9:53 a.m.
Maybe it just takes extra time to investigate the people accused of violence, since more agencies are involved (AAPD) and the consequences are more severe (getting fired, getting arrested).
dk
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
"deal with your team, we'll deal with our team" Saying sorry for this is more than enough. How is it possible that a newspaper article is written on this aspect of the brawl. Yes, the brawl is a serious issue. This statement is not. Anyone who thinks this warrants more than an apology needs to step out of la la land.....
Paula Gardner
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
I appreciated that the coach stepped up and spoke about his role and his outcome.
squidlover
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.
As long as it doesn't affect Ann Arbor's chances to be included in the inevitable "Top 10 American cities to play high school football" list.
annarboral
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:42 a.m.
There seems to be some testimony that the Huron coach started it by shoving the Pioneer coach. He seems to be the instigator that started the whole thing and is the person that should be held responsible. Others may have acted badly and should be given some discipline. However, nothing would have happened if (allegedly) the Huron coach hadn't lost his temper, swore like a sailor and pushed the Pioneer coach. If the Huron coach simply accepts that his team lost, shows good sportsmanship by shaking hands and promptly leaves the field there is no incident. Certainly the Huron coach must have or should have realized that the situation was fragile and could erupt if he set a bad example.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Testimony? When was anybody sworn under oath to tell the truth? Perhaps, you mean comments or commentary.
Ownit
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
Thats what I was thinking.
Kai Petainen
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
I wasn't there, but I don't understand how the picture is misleading. I don't think they altered it in any misleading manner. It's a photo of an event and it's not a marketing photo. Some of the most 'misleading' photos are those taken by marketing -- this isn't marketing, it's raw journalism and annarbor.com is doing a fantastic job at delivering the news and serving the community.
Quitcrying
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Picture is accurate...
kms
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:18 a.m.
I agree. As a parent of high school kids who play multiple sports (not football) I am very interested in this story and its outcome. This was a highly public incident and I appreciate the detailed annarbor.com coverage.
Kai Petainen
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
Brenner should be thanked for that photo. It's a brilliant photo in terms of photojournalism. Lot's of energy. They didn't pose for that photo, that's a high-energy event and it's a "great" photo of an unfortunate event.
Parent Speaks
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
If annarbor.com really wants to do their job, they should also change their misleading picture. This picture makes it look like Coach Gildersleeve is yelling at Coach Test. This is NOT what was happening in this picture. This picture was taken right after Coach Gildersleeve was struck in the back by one of Pioneers assistant coaches. What he is saying in this picture was directed toward the coach who had just struck him. What he said was: "Look what you just caused." Pretty sad that we have to report the facts for you annarbor.com.
towncryer
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
@ Jim Osborn, did you happen to get the number of the person swinging the crutch if he was wearing his jersey? The students know who it is.
Jim Osborn
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
I saw the whole thing , including the swung crutch. That was hard to miss. The only problem was I was in the stands, on the Huron home side, so I was a bit too far to see much detail. Its strange, but I didn't see a lot of telescopes at the game. It is a wonder that so many seem to claim that they saw so much.
Paula Gardner
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
Would you like to speak on the record to a reporter? Kyle's contact info is at the top of the story. Or you can email me at paulagardner@annarbor.com.
kms
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
Perhaps Gildersleeve can take some lessons from the Dexter coach. His loss at the hands of Pioneer was much, much worse and yet he didn't start yelling and instigating a brawl.
jcj
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
Any chance your a little biased? Amazing how much you can see from the stands. Or did you take the picture?
Quitcrying
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
It shows Coach Gildersleeve acting in a very unprofessional way as he had been, he should be fired.
Michigan Man
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
Quality of life really trending downward in Ann Arbor. Long for the day of our All American city status.
Parent Speaks
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.
Finally...a news report that is actually reporting the facts. To bad annarbor.com is more concerned about how many hits they get on their blogs than actually reporting the FACTS. Click on the link below for the true story. Maybe now annarbor.com will do their job and print a story that retracts all of their false allegations of Coach Gildersleeve "pushing" Coach Test. Kudos to Channel 7 News for getting it right! http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/more-disciplinary-action-taken-against-people-involved-in-football-fight
Kyle Austin
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Thanks Parent Speaks, I had only read the text in that link and didn't realize the video contained additional content. Rest assured we have reached out to AAPS officials and are waiting to hear back on the results of their investigation. When they are provided to us they will be reported.
Parent Speaks
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
Kyle, Channel 7 News seems to be the only media source that is following up on this story and getting updated facts. If you watch the link....it states that it was confirmed that NO physical altercations took place between either Head Coach. An update by annarbor.com confirming the same facts would be appreciated.
Kyle Austin
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
Parent Speaks, can you be more specific about what facts you're referencing? If you're referencing any physical contact between the two coaches after the game, we've been consistent throughout in reporting the differing accounts of the incident: Test and others claim a push took place, Gildersleeve denies it did.
beachbaby
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Thanks for the link. I hope that kids parents do consider pressing charges. It's one thing to get popped in the mouth during a big brawl, but stomping a cleat to the face is purposeful with the intent to do bodily harm (not to mention a chicken**** move). Same with the guy with the crutch.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:59 p.m.
Well, as long is he said "sorry" like he meant it, I suppose it is OK.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
@towncryer; Yep, very sarcastic. Reminds me of how I had to deal with my kids when they were four years old.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
LOL! Very humorous!
towncryer
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
before i vote one way or another, you are being sarcastic right? lol
YpsiGirl4Ever
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Well, we shouldn't read anymore "A2P.S.Superiority" comments over Y.H.S. or W.R.H.S. after this you think....
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
Not unless you worry about things like test scores, college admissions and dropout rates anyway.
AnnArborEvents
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
When does the legal system take a look and render the charges? Normally arrests and custody are immediate for violence or assault in public places. The legal system can not be overruled by the public school administration or the MHSAA. I would question the motives of the police department. Is there any reason to treat this incident any more lenient than other acts of violence? Or any reason to be less swift legally? I doubt it. In fact, there are many reasons why arrests the night of the incident (on site, on the football field) would have set a precedent to ensure this kind of violence never occurs again in Michigan public schools and around the country.
Classof2014
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
I am surprised that the coaches get off with such a small punishment. Maybe they coaches have learned their lesson, but if not,this punishment is not going to show them that what they did was wrong. Saying sorry to someone is not enough
ViSHa
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.
Mouthing off to the AD in front of students and promoting the superior mentality of the football team as if they are an entity separate from AAPS should have gotten him at least a one game suspension....but then who would help coach Friday night? This is just going through the motions.
Ownit
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
It doesn't.
perfectly lubricated weather vane
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:47 p.m.
The story says that the linebackers coach said something to someone during the melee. It's easy to imagine under the circumstances that perhaps he even shouted it. Please say why you think this transgression requires more than an apology.
average joe
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
So here is how Eve Claar(?) is handling this- Little Bobby, you say you are sorry to Ms. Dottie, & then you can go out to recess. I thought these were adults.
Kai Petainen
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:07 p.m.
Question. Sometimes, adults will tell their children.... "go and say sorry" Sometimes, children are smart enough to realize that they need to apologize before the adult tells them to do so. Which case is this? Is it the adult telling the child to apologize, or is it the child being smart enough to apologize?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
Okay. If I apologize, can I keep my job? Yes? Great. Then I'm sorry and apologize!
DNB
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
Two of my kids at Pioneer said the coach made an apology to staff and students during the announcements this week. Apologies all around, and everything is OK?
JaneaB
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
I agree with the both of you. You better believe if it had been a different district, They'd all be fired and the kids suspended and kicked off the team too.
jcj
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:47 p.m.
You have absolutely no proof of that! However I have no problem with both coaches being let go based only on what I have read.
Wilsonaz
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
Both coaches should be fired for their individual behavior and the horrible example they delivered via their actions! I am shocked AAPS is simply suspending. This type of behavior from adults that are supposed to be role models has no place in our schools.
kms
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
If multiple witnesses saw Gildersleeve push Test, thereby starting the brawl, why is he not fired?
jns131
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
They can't. It has children on it and this violates their privacy rights. Will never go public unless someone has a private copy and then watch it go viral on You Tube.
ViSHa
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
So you are saying A2PD won't intervene if the family of the injured student presses charges?
David
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.
@AnnArborEvents you have ABSOLUTLEY no idea what your talking about! The process goes from school, to AAPS, to MHSAA THEN to police. If action is dont by one of the first 2 then there's no room for intervention by A2PD.
AnnArborEvents
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
It's time to file for the court (police) evidence, look at the video, and ask what is taking the legal system so long to respond. Normally, if there's a brawl in a public place and police are present, people are arrested and taken into custody immediately, and released only when bail is posted. What are we teaching our kids and staff by taking so long to act in a legal capacity? Do we have tolerance for violence and bullying in the public school systems greater than that in other public places?
Brad
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
Hey - if AAPS would just release the video I'm sure it would be apparent what happened between the coaches. AAPS?