Football brawl: Referee report describes push from Huron coach, racial epithet from Huron player before incident
Huron High School athletic director Dottie Davis, center, stands between Huron football coach Cory Gildersleeve, far left, and Pioneer coach Paul Test, far right, as a fight breaks out between players and coaches on Friday, October 12.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
(Editor's note: This story contains language that will be offensive to some readers, including a racially charged term.)
Details of the brawl that erupted involving players and coaches following the Huron versus Pioneer football game continue to surface more than a month after the incident.
According to the MHSAA’s official referee report from the Oct. 12 game, Huron head coach Cory Gildersleeve physically forced Pioneer coach Paul Test backwards during the postgame handshake. The report also reveals that a Huron player was ejected from the game prior to the melee for describing the Pioneer team with a racial epithet to a referee and throwing his helmet toward an official.
The referee’s report was included in Ann Arbor Public Schools’ investigation into the incident. Documents were obtained Monday by AnnArbor.com through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Gildersleeve -- who resigned as coach on Nov. 8 -- adamantly denied pushing Test to AnnArbor.com the night of the incident and in many emails to district officials and those involved with the football program since.
However, the referee’s report describes Gildersleeve as being verbally and physically combative toward Test after the game.
The report said that Gildersleeve approached Test after the game, accosted him during the postgame handshake and physically moved Test backwards.
The report reads:
“(Gildersleeve) Continued shouting in Coach Test’s face and would not release his hand. The word ‘f---’ was heard at least twice by officials in his verbal abuse of his opposing coach, as he was physically moving Coach Test backwards. He continued this action, despite an official intervening and attempting to separate the coaches. His actions were the direct cause of a retaliatory push by a Pioneer assistant coach and the start of a fight involving dozens of players, coaches and spectators on the playing field.”
(Click here to download a PDF file of the entire MHSAA referee's report. Best viewed at 200 percent, potentially offensive language not omitted.)
As previously reported by AnnArbor.com, the Pioneer assistant coach who struck Gildersleeve was linebackers coach Vince Wortmann, who has since been fired. In an email sent to Pioneer athletic director Eve Claar the morning after the brawl, Wortmann said he saw Gildersleeve “demonstratively berating Coach Test and physically pushing on him,” and said that he “ran over and pushed Coach Gildersleeve to remove the threat.”
Wortmann declined to comment when reached by AnnArbor.com Monday.
The referee’s report and Wortmann’s account appear to be in conflict with the account of Huron athletic director Dottie Davis -- who was near the coaches when the fight broke out -- and Gildersleeve.
In an incident report filed with the district, Davis said, “Neither coach touched one another and there was no physical altercation between the head coaches.”
Per directive from district officials, Davis declined to comment on any matter involving the brawl when reached by AnnArbor.com on Monday seeking clarification of her account of the events.
The reports also said Gildersleeve had to be “restrained by officials and fellow coaches” and told repeatedly to stop shouting “unsportsmanlike language” across the field during the game.
The report also said Test was restrained by officials while yelling back toward Gildersleeve at the end of the game and criticized Test for play calls at the end of the game. Ahead 35-6 late in the fourth quarter, Pioneer threw deep passes toward the end zone as opposed to running out the clock and ending the out-of-reach game.
Both Test and Gildersleeve were suspended by the MHSAA for their conduct after the game and given additional one-game suspensions from the district.
Gildersleeve could not be reached for comment on Monday. Gildersleeve is a physical education teacher at Huron. Test, a retired teacher, was reached on Monday, but declined to comment per directive from district, but the night of the game said Gildersleeve was pushing him.
The referee’s report revealed that the postgame brawl wasn’t the only reason for player suspensions. According to the report, with 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, a Huron player, “began verbally berating opponents with profanity and had to be restrained by officials.”
The player was told to return to his bench by officials, at which point he, “threw his helmet at the feet of the Head Linesman and exclaimed ‘F--- it, throw me out, they’re a bunch of n------!” and was subsequently ejected and suspended from the next game.
Eight other Huron players were suspended for fighting along with six Pioneer players.
While four Pioneer players sat out the next game, an academically ineligible player - who did not play, but was on the sideline and was involved in the fight - was kicked off of the team permanently, as was an injured Pioneer player who used his crutch as a weapon during the brawl.
The report said the injured player was, “using his crutch as a weapon by striking an unidentified person, breaking the crutch.”
The Ann Arbor Police Department is still investigating the incident.
- (Click here to download a PDF file of the entire MHSAA referee's report. Best viewed at 200 percent, potentially offensive language not omitted.)
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
strideontime
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
Dottie on the spot! I will point out the obvious... Please look at the above picture again. Dottie Davis is between Coach Gildersleeve and Coach Test. My point is that athletic director Dottie Davis is: 1. At the football game as she has been at all other Huron Home football games since serving as Athletic Director at Huron High School. 2. On the field, in the midst of the activity trying to persuade large men in helmets and shoulder pads to chill. 3. Refraining from making premature public comments that could hurt the program. (It takes maturity to know who to speak to and when). Dottie has made her presence at the major athletic events since she has become the athletic director at Huron. She is actively involved at these events. In addition to this, there are many details to manage with all of the sports offered at Huron High School. Teams need transportation to matches, events, games. Trainers are scheduled to cover sports throughout the week, and the list goes on. There's a lot of behind the scenes grunt work that few are aware of. She has experience at her position that is both time consuming and mentally demanding. It is very hard to find someone with such devotion and experience. As for her comment on not seeing pushing , it is likely that she did not see the physical actions of those involved. If you've ever been at ground zero of a mob, you only see what's next to you. So you can't be so critical of someone claiming they didn't see who pushed who. An unfortunate event occurred with the onfield brawl at Huron. But before throwing out more babies with the bath water, recognize that the work of an Athletic Director at such a large high school would be overwhelming for most. She has the energy to carry out the task. And thank goodness, but as I expected...Dottie was on the spot.
15crown00
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.
what a mess.Gildersleeve was and always has been at least a little edgy.i remember his days in Dundee.
Pete Cunningham
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Huron AD Dottie Davis' direct response to the MHSAA official referee's report was passed along today by district officials. Here is an article with details: http://www.annarbor.com/sports/high-school/football-brawl-huron-ad-says-coach-gildersleeve-did-not-push-coach-test-backwards/
dk
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Funny, most AA.com readers wanted Coach Test's head on a platter a month ago. Now we have 3rd party testimony that he didn't start this mess and in fact the Huron coach did. Not sure who I'm more embarrassed for, the Huron AD and coach, or the hundreds of readers ripping on Paul Test. Are those same readers clamoring for Dottie Davis to be disciplined? She's not a football coach, so I'm guessing not.
Doug
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Wortman did would most assistants would do to protect his head coach. But, there's no doubt in my mind that Test's unsportsmanlike conduct during this game and much of the season brought this on. (Remember the Dexter game?) Where's the sportsmanship in running uo the score? Test retired from teaching and should now retire from coaching.
easy123
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
The coach ran up the score. Sports is a big business. If the parents and the schools put in this much effort in teaching the kids - math and sciences - we would be way ahead by now. I pasted this from Skyline High School's web site. Really good use of resources that obviously do not work " Small Learning Communities (SLC) Offices Integrity & Diversity Location: 3rd Floor Assistant Principal (Integrity & Diversity): Ms. Quigley Secretary: Ms. Schwind Phone: 734-994-7031 •Counselor for the Diversity SLC: Ms. DidLake: 994-7674 •Counselor for the Integrity SLC: Ms. Carter: 994-8492 •Counselor for Integrity & Diversity Ms. Janson: 994-7695 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Small Learning Communities (SLC) Offices Equality & Academic Innovation Location: 4th Floor Assistant Principal (Equality & Academic Innovation): Ms. Britton Secretary: Ms. Kopka Phone: 734-994-7033 •Counselor for the Equality SLC: Mr. Graham: 994-7683 •Counselor for the Academic Innovation SLC: Ms. McLoughlin: 994-7685 •Counselor Ms. Schimmel: 994-7701 "
kms
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
I don't understand what Skyline's school organization and staff have anything to do with the football brawl between Pioneer and Huron. What is your point?
Ron Granger
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Coach Test's conduct has been troubling for many people even BEFORE this incident. His conduct has been the subject of editorials BEFORE this incident. Anyone trying to portray him as some kind of innocent in all this is way out of touch. I see this incident as nothing more than a symptom of a deeper problem. And I don't see the light concurrent suspensions as being anything more than a slap on the wrist. Especially when the A/D's conflicting statements ("lies", some would say) are tolerated.
Davidian
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.
People take football and other sprots way too seriously. Don't get me wrong - I've gone overboard as both a player and as a participant. But it is just a game. The thing is, 99% of the people aren't particpating. Instead, they are watching other people have fun. When I think about it like that, it really makes sporting events seem absurd. Frankly I'd rather be out in the woods.
kms
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
Dottie Davis may not deserve to be fired and she may well be a fine person, but her ridiculous statement, claiming there was no physical contact between the coaches, makes her seem disingenuous at best and a liar at worst. The photo published in one of the original stories shows her smack dab in the center of the action....even appearing to try to help separate the coaches. It would be better if she would publicly explain her statement. But if she can't or won't, people will continue to judge her harshly for her incredulous statement.
strideontime
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Just because she is there after the physical event broke out, does not mean that she was present at the handshake between the coaches. Its not like ESPN was covering the event with the omnipresent field camera.
Henry
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 6:35 a.m.
Your'e still talking about the fight??
Lovaduck
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:11 a.m.
The whole debacle is a disgrace to Ann Arbor!
snapshot
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:46 a.m.
Half truths and misleading statements by trusted administrators and educators...........imagine that. Teach the children well. The school board will be asking for more money to provide sensitivity training for the athletes. This looks like a good place to take a big junk out of that budget deficit.....drop football and all associated personnel for the next two years so these folks know they have something to lose when tey don't "play nice".
jpud
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3 a.m.
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb had just done battle, said Tweedle Dee to Tweedle Dumb, "I think you broke my rattle". So if the video tape is inconclusive to overrule the ruling on the field, does that make the ruling on the field correct, or is the video tape just inconclusive? The calls to fire Dottie Davis are absurd. Her status should not even be discussed unless the train wreck of poor sportsmanship which has been allowed to lumber through Southeast Michigan humiliating our community and decreasing our property values and his AD who failed to correct his poor sportsmanship go first, and please, don't insult god by bringing her into the arguement about coach Test's behavior.
karendkerry
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:48 a.m.
I have coached for Huron for eleven years and will stand by Dottie Davis, our AD, as a class act worthy of respect and admiration. Anyone suggesting that she behaved with less than both programs reputations at stake does not understand the ramifications of her job. This is an unfortunate situation which I'm sure both football programs regret! High school players in Ann Arbor have long relished the rivalry between our two great schools in all sports. Time to move on...
Claude Kershner
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
Was the player who shouted the racial epitaphs Non-African American? It's not as crazy a question as it sounds.
Charley Sullivan
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
With all due respect, coach, it's not time to move on until 1., there's a full discussion within both high schools about the proper nature of athletic competition and rivalry, and 2., there's discussion of what it means for a player, even in anger or in a high point of emotion, to use racial epithets (in this particular case,) or other language that diminishes their opponents. Seize the teachable moment.
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:10 a.m.
The people suggesting she "...behaved with less..." are probably focusing on her statement: "Neither coach touched one another and there was no physical altercation between the head coaches." It's not the crime, it's the cover up. Ask Nixon or Paterno.
Damaro
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
Gildersleeve has resigned as coach, but why is he allowed to keep his job as a Huron teacher? If this behavior doesn't deserve firing, what would?
Goofus
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.
Lots of incompetence and idiocy here to go around. Fire everybody. Real simple.
leonard
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
Oh no, only two players from Pioneer sat out the next game at livonia franklin, i was there.
kms
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:31 a.m.
Wow, this report certainly reflects poorly on Huron players, who spouted racial epithets, the coach, who apparently lied about pushing Test and AD Dottie Davis, who sounds like she lied about the events. I'd like to hear from the Huron parents who were so quick to condemn Pioneer in the comment section of previous stories.
Basic Bob
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:34 a.m.
It wasn't a Huron assistant who tackled the coach to start the ruckus. It wasn't a Huron player who broke a crutch over another player. I'll take a nasty word (sorry, it's still frequently used by both children and adults) and vague recollections of events over the physical violence used by the Pioneer team.
kms
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:35 a.m.
jcj: a little defensive there, aren't you....if I could edit my comment I would say a Huron player, not players.
jcj
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
kms Keep the FACTS straight! The report also reveals that A HURON player was ejected from the game prior to the melee for describing the Pioneer team with a racial epithet to a referee
md22mdrx
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:31 a.m.
I've known the former Huron football coach for a long time. I've seen him coach. I've known players on his teams. This behavior does NOT shock me. He has been and always WILL be a D.B.
CLX
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
When this first happened, the commentators here could not bash the Pioneer players enough, while few people said anything about those nice Huron kids. Now there seems to be complete silence in the face of evidence that the Huron kid was yelling racially-charged insults. I could care less about either group, but I find the silence strange considering how many folks wanted to hate on the Pioneer kids, but no one is saying anything about the Huron kid in the face of actual evidence.
kms
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
Oh come on, md22. ...the score was 35-6. Pioneer beat Skyline 50-0 and our coach didn't become unglued and start a brawl.
md22mdrx
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:35 a.m.
The Pioneer kids aren't at fault for running the coach's plays. Their COACH should be reprimanded for trying to run up the score when the game is in hand. That is totally classless. Gildersleeve's reaction was nothing but dbaggery though and is equally as classless.
JKK
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.
As a parent of a Pioneer player who was at the game, I am glad that the truth is finally coming out! At the end of the game, I saw Gildersleeve charge across the filed and push Coach Test and the ensuing brawl that followed. Afterwards, AD Davis was up in the faces of the officials trying to spin the story so it did not reflect badly on Huron. She should be fired for lying when there was video documentation and a stadium full of witnesses to attest to what actually happened. Our support for Coach Test has been unwavering. He has been a standout in the Pioneer football program and has set a fine example for these young men. Coach Test had not missed a practice or game in over 36 years. It is a shame that his reputation has been tarnished by this unfortunate incident.
jcj
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
lenard You remind me of allthe people I heard on the radio today saying they talked to Denard Robinson and Denard said he was 100%! Amazing how many people 'know something for a fact" lol
leonard
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:53 a.m.
Coach test needs to go ,if you don't play his way (punch,hit under the piles etc.) he will black ball you.I know this for a fact.
Tag
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
36 years.... Seems like it's time to retire.
Brad
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:54 p.m.
Can we RELEASE THE VIDEO now? AAPS? AAPD? Why the foot-dragging? Why should we even need to FOIA something like this?
Ron Granger
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
To protect the crutch-wielding children!
Greggy_D
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
"Per directive from district officials, Davis declined to comment on any matter involving the brawl when reached by AnnArbor.com" So now the District is coercing the participants not to exercise their First Amendment rights, as if these adults cannot think for themselves. Disgusting.
Basic Bob
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.
It would violate her terms of employment.
Mmh
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:57 p.m.
It's time to move on! So tired of reading about this. Gildersleeve resigned. Let the boys have a fresh start!
Ron Granger
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
The AD should be fired for the apparent lies. And how long does it take the AAPD to investigate the crutch incident?
Momma G
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
I totally agree with LetsGetReal. Paul Test is a God-fearing man and it would take a lot to provoke him. I also believe that every, and I mean every player on the Pioneer team needs to be interviewed. I've heard and trust one young man about how this all went down and it wasn't due to Paul Test ordering the play. I also agree that the AD needs to be fired for telling her lie, also. I hope this isn't the end of this. I wouldn't want my grandchildren being in the PE class with the ex-Huron coach either but then the tenure laws will "save" his job, won't they? That's why the tenure laws need to be revamped or ended.
mady
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
watch out, Momma G, if you stand up in defense of your friends you stand a pretty good chance of being voted down by all the self-righteous haters out there. for what it's worth, I voted you up.
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:56 a.m.
Momma G, what I would like is for you and the other parents who have the inside scoop of what "really happened" is to contact a2.com and give your version of events. Who called the play? More importantly, why?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
Momma G. Guess you don't understand the tenure laws. The tenure laws are disigned to protect teachers (often the very best) from being fired for frivolous or unfair reasons. Really great teachers challenge their students. Boss doesn't like it, so he fires that teacher so parents will make nice. The reality is that the administration can fire a poor teacher. They just have to make a case. It's only fair that a teacher, who is in trouble with the admin, should be told what he/she was doing wrong, and given a chance to improve. If they don't, or if they smoke dope in the locker room, they are gone. The big problem with the tenure system, in my opinion, is that administrators choose not to help the teacher (and build a file of incompetence against the teacher at the same time) and then proceed to removal. They prefer to duck the issua and blame it all on the very fair tenure system. Read the law. Fascinating.
Gloria
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.
I am not surprised at this information. I know Paul Test to be a stand up guy. Sorry, but this is on Huron, not Pioneer.
Tag
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:54 a.m.
@A2citzen Most of the article about the game reference the late game play call so you must not be looking very hard. Also try that new website www.google.com enter in the phrase "sportsmanship running up the score" and check out all the sites that come up. Here's just one example.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_up_the_score
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
A2 person: The game to which you refer is a professional game between millionaires, and they can run scores up as they please. Who cares? Here, we are talking about high school kids. This is a completely different situation. In the pros, people pay $50,000 bounties to guys who send an opponent out of the game on a backboard. In high school, any decent coach (and that means most of them) will want to be fair, and will understand and honor the feelings of the kids on the other team. Only jerks run up scores in such a game. It's obnoxious and, in my view, inexcusable. Take the knee. Shake hands. Move on.
a2citizen
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Tag, The New England Patriots beat the Colts 59-24 this past weekend. They scored two touchdowns in the last 9 minutes. I'm still searching for articles on the (lack of) "sportsmanship" displayed during that game.
Tag
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
Not so fast. It's never just one sided. Coach Test clearly isn't as much of a stand up guy as many of you are purporting him to be. Certainly his play calling near the end of the game would not be called 'sportsmanlike' And if you want to say it was the kids on the field calling their own plays then one could question Coach Test leadership ability. Great job by A2.com to follow up on this.
leaguebus
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
I am sure all involved feel bad about what happened. Its time to move on.
say it plain
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Whatevs already...the all-important football season for highschoolers is, mercifully, *over*. Let's move on... ... until next year's high dramas depicting great 'Christian' coaches inspiring and leading our young men in whacking and mocking their opponents, and 'Rat' coaches shoving out of frustration and mis-leading their young men to great shame in piling up losses in games involving meaningless runs this way and that way on grass we spend millions of tax payer dollars to maintain. 'Kay?!
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:26 a.m.
I don't get it either. If I ever figure out why I'll post my findings for you.
say it plain
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:40 a.m.
Right, @a2citizen, I agree, and I find it disconcerting that anyone would even make reference to a coach's alleged Christian values when it's supposed to be the *public* schools these men work for. I was appalled to read some weeks before this incident that Test had led a pre-game prayer session for his young men--it might have been before the game against Dexter where perhaps they prayed to win revenge for Dexter's firing of their assistant coach. The young men led said coach off the field on their shoulders after their glorious victory, in a display I might argue--but not ad infinitum ;-) --was less than in keeping with Christianity. But, whatever. I just shudder to imagine this going on and on through the off-season...I hope someone with the power to convey the video evidence public does so already! I would have preferred to see AAPS firing *everyone* involved and making some effort to have a fresh start, but Test gave them decent results so I suppose there was little chance of *that* happening. Or better yet, give us a couple of years of no spending on football!
a2citizen
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
I understand the inference to Lets Get Real's 'Christian' post. Whether or not they are Christian, Jew, Muslim or Buddhist can be argued ad infinim. And, conveniently for some, that creates a distraction from the fact that the two coaches were inspiring and leading in the name of the Ann Arbor public school system.
FGR Fan
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:44 p.m.
Was at the Gabriel Richard/Portland semi-final game on Saturday - fine example of sportsmanship and respect on both sides. Maybe the AD from AA public schools needs to pay them a visit and get some pointers on how to run a quality program??
a2citizen
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
That would be a violation of separation of church and state. (sarcasm intended)
justcurious
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.
Yes parents, get your kid into organized sports so that they will learn sprotmanship and how to be a good citizen. Great role models all.
jns131
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:18 a.m.
Should see hockey. This is not any better. Neither is a few sports I have been involved in.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
Kind of a wild, free swing at sports, don't you think? If someone kills another with a baseball bat, is that a sign of the evil that is baseball? If someone is drunk and runs over someone else, is that a sign of the evil of motor vehicles and all who drive? Let's please try to hold the wild swings a bit more on target. Once there was a small riot on a football field. Guess that shows that all organized sports are a lost cause and kids who are in them will all end up in jail. Gotta love the "logic."
"Nord" John Nordlinger
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
No one, to my knowledge, has mentioned the responsibility of the game officials here. Obviously the winner of the game had long since been determined and--equally obviously--the mood on the field and on the sidelines clearly indicated that trouble was brewing. In such a case, doesn't the referee (who is the head official) have the authority to declare the game over? I do not excuse anyone's poor conduct,m but it seems like the whole mess could have been avoided.
kms
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
Does Gildersleeve expect all winning teams to call it quits early or only Pioneer? The score was 35-6, not a blowout of 50-0.
AAPSelementparent
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:11 a.m.
To JohnofSaline and MikeB; Mr Nordlinger (original poster) is an ex-long-standing and well-respected AD of Huron and knows that of which he speaks. Mr. Nordlinger was AD way back when I attended Huron and Ms. Davis was softball and volleyball coach, as well as PE instructor. Yes, officials should consider the mood, the trouble brewing and the definitiveness of the score to weigh ending the game - they should have ended it.
MikeB
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.
I don't believe they can do that? At least not and comply with the rules. The coaching staff has a responsibility to keep the players in check
John of Saline
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.
The scoreboard clock can "break" and the refs can keep time on the field (never stopping the clock) if they want to hasten the end of the game. At least I've seen that done, but that was a long time ago.
a2grateful
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
Hmmm. . . All of these conflicting reports. . . Too bad there is no cell phone video to flush out the liars . . . or, maybe there is . . .
jns131
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
Fire the superintendent and see if the new one can do any better. Or better yet, remove those in AAPS BOE and see if they can find a scape goat.
Lets Get Real
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
There is not a more restrained, Christian man than Coach Test. It would take alot to provoke him into a fight - hence the totally plausable explination of the assistant coach coming to his rescue. He is much more likely to turn the other cheek that retaliate. My kids played for him years ago. I was always impressed with his quiet leadership style. He spoke politely, maintained people's dignity, and led young men by demonstrating positive actions. I'm guessing the referee's report is far more accurate about the opposing coach not letting Test's hand go and pushing him backward and Test not pushing back. That would be my expectation of how he would behave. I don't know the other guy, but I'm glad he's gone. Seems other comments would indicate it is long overdue.
leonard
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 9:59 p.m.
You are clearly disillusioned by Test, he has you like many others "drinking the kool-aid".I for one was never fooled by him, I can read his face masked by the innocence of religion.
eagleman
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
d2ina2, what was the point of your post? All this person was doing was citing his faith. A true Christian acts according to his/her principles. I see nothing wrong in noting that. People who are secular humanists often support large, centralized government--an entity that has caused horrors far exceeding anything Christianity has done. So using YOUR logic we must condemn all socialists, communist, and Leftists in general because they believe in something that has caused so much pain. What the heck does "human value" mean? Human values can range from homophobia to race hatred to universal love. Human value is a nebulous term that can mean anything. Conversely, Christian value-as laid down by Christ--denotes a very specific set of values just as Secular Humanists denotes a specific set of values. d2ina2, it is clear to me that you have a bias towards Christians. That isn't very humanist of you.
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:39 p.m.
What Lets Get Real said, that is. Terry was one more post higher.
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.
d2ina2, you have committed one of the most common fallacies in human thought. There is nothing in what Terry said that implies he/she believe only a Christian would not behave that way. The implication is a Christian is more like than not to behave that way.
d2ina2
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
Christian? Seriously? Am I to assume that you do not feel that Jewish, Muslim or non-believers can act/coach in a charitable and compassionate way? I will give you the benefit of doubt, for I am also sure you haven't forgotten the injustices and horrors brought onto others in the name of Christianity throughout the last 2,000 years. Acting compassionately and treating others with respect is not a Christian value it is a human value.
Terry Star21
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
Without taking sides, it would appear that the Ann Arbor Public Schools should and will trust the (impartial) official referee's story. Each school's (Pioneer and Huron) representatives have a lot at stake/invested and may not have misjudged what happened or what they actually saw. You have one school's coach say he didn't swear or push the other coach, and his assistant says he intervened (physically) only to protect his head coach. This story seems to support the referree's report.. You have the other school's coach saying he didn't swear or push/shove (physically) the other head coach, and his athletic director supports that. This story seems to not support the referee's report. I smell a 'Rat'......
DonBee
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
jns131 - The only changes that will happen, have happened, the assistant may even get his job back. Only the coaching resignation will stand - everything else will continue as usual. That is the AAPS way. There are a number of incidents over the years at AAPS where because of strong unions, the district has allowed people to stay in jobs that an at will business would have fired for cause and won the lawsuit. Once you are an AAPS teacher (AAEA) or administrator (AAAA) you have a job for life.
jns131
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:16 a.m.
Terry? Ya think? AAPS is like the government. Trying to find a scape goat in every corner. No doubt we will have all new coaches next year. Ya think?
G-Man
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
I'm not very good at the guessing game. If you don't want to print what was said, why write a partial story?
Pete Cunningham
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
This story has been updated with a downloadable PDF file of the entire referee's report.
Bryan Ellinger
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:26 p.m.
Sh___y policy. :-P
Terry Star21
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
G-Man. I thought that was a very 'complete' story. I wanted to know more about the situation, as did hundreds of readers. You just had to believe there was more of this story, and for me (though not a court hearing) this latest writing explained and filled a lot of holes. What part of A2's 'f---' word could you not understand ?
Pete Cunningham
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
G-Man, It's our company's policy not to publish the words which have been replaced with dashes. We are working on getting the entire report uploaded so you can read it in its entirety.
bluemax79
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
the AD should be fired for lying as well. the head coach for huron has been a poor example for years should have been fired long ago.
DonBee
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 11:24 a.m.
Good luck they are both union members. The union will fight to the death for both of them.
A2comments
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
More info including why Davis needs to be disciplined - she seems to have lied.
strideontime
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 10:55 p.m.
Dottie on the spot! I will point out the obvious... Please look at the above picture again. Dottie Davis is between Coach Gildersleeve and Coach Test. My point is that athletic director Dottie Davis is: 1. At the football game as she has been at all other Huron Home football games since serving as Athletic Director at Huron High School. 2. On the field, in the midst of the activity trying to persuade large men in helmets and shoulder pads to chill. 3. Refraining from making premature public comments that could hurt the program. (It takes maturity to know who to speak to and when). Dottie has made her presence at the major athletic events since she has become the athletic director at Huron. She is actively involved at these events. In addition to this, there are many details to manage with all of the sports offered at Huron High School. Teams need transportation to matches, events, games. Trainers are scheduled to cover sports throughout the week, and the list goes on. There's a lot of behind the scenes grunt work that few are aware of. She has experience at her position that is both time consuming and mentally demanding. It is very hard to find someone with such devotion and experience. As for her comment on not seeing pushing , it is likely that she did not see the physical actions of those involved. If you've ever been at ground zero of a mob, you only see what's next to you. So you can't be so critical of someone claiming they didn't see who pushed who. An unfortunate event occurred with the onfield brawl at Huron. But before throwing out more babies with the bath water, recognize that the work of an Athletic Director at such a large high school would be overwhelming for most. She has the energy to carry out the task. And thank goodness, but as I expected...Dottie was on the spot.
BobbyJohn
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
Right from the beginning, A.D. Davis's actions were inadequate and disappointing. When asked about the brawl, she never, in any manner, condemned the violence, nor the poor sportsmanship. When asked for a comment, the proper response would have been to give a general condemnation of improper and deplorable behavior without putting blame on anyone until further investigation. But to not immediately castigate the behavior gives the wrong message to the students. Now, the possibility that she lied to others, shows she may have wanted to minimize the situation, which I hope will be used as a lessonn for our students.
smokeblwr
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
I thought Ann Arbor celebrated diversity and football was a way to mold young men?
snapshot
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:41 a.m.
Actions speak louder than words.
Rod Johnson
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
And what do you think now? I'm sure everyone's dying to know.
Bulganzio
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
This was way better than I thought