Two John Jay football players suspended for hit on referee - now ref pressing charges

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_...-used-referee-texas-football-viral-video-case

 

[WoodysGirl]

 

[big dog cowboy]

Football Players Who Blindsided Ref Say They Were Following Coach's Orders
By DAN GOOD
Good Morning America

Michael Moreno and Victor Rojas wish they could take it back.

The Texas teenagers, speaking exclusively to George Stephanopoulos on “Good Morning America,” were suspended from their football team and school after blindsiding a referee during a game.

Video of the incident drew national attention after the footage showed the boys going out of their way to collide with referee Robert Watts, whose back was to the players at the time. The teens, playing for John Jay High School in the San Antonio area, say they were following orders from an assistant coach, Mack Breed.

“You put your trust into this grown-up, this guardian, your coach, who’s been there for me. ... I trust him. I did what I was told,” Moreno said.

Read more: https://gma.yahoo.com/football-play...hs-orders-121135389--abc-news-topstories.html

 

[Nightman]

I think they should get kicked off the team and serve a suspension from school, but I wouldn't arrest them.

 

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

Like a lot of stories - more than what was initially reported.

 

[joseephuss]

I think they should get kicked off the team and serve a suspension from school, but I wouldn't arrest them.

I would arrest them if the referee(victim) wanted to press charges. If he doesn't want to pursue this, then they don't need to be arrested.

 

[joseephuss]

Like a lot of stories - more than what was initially reported.

Definitely more that was first reported; however, the stuff that was first reported and observed in the video is enough to punish the kids. A coach telling them to hit the ref doesn't change excuse their behavior. Neither does their accusation of the ref using racial slurs. They are responsible for their actions and those actions deserve punishment. If a coach told them to do this, then he too deserves punishment. If the ref did indeed use racial slurs then he as well deserves punishment.

 

[Nightman]

I would arrest them if the referee(victim) wanted to press charges. If he doesn't want to pursue this, then they don't need to be arrested.

It just wasn't that big of an assault to me.

I think it was cheap, childish and low class, I just don't think it should be criminal.

As a grown man there is no way I would pursue criminal charges if I was the ref.

 

[Nightman]

Definitely more that was first reported; however, the stuff that was first reported and observed in the video is enough to punish the kids. A coach telling them to hit the ref doesn't change excuse their behavior. Neither does their accusation of the ref using racial slurs. They are responsible for their actions and those actions deserve punishment. If a coach told them to do this, then he too deserves punishment. If the ref did indeed use racial slurs then he as well deserves punishment.

More if you believe them. They have had a lot of time to come up with something.

Your response was perfect.

 

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

Definitely more that was first reported; however, the stuff that was first reported and observed in the video is enough to punish the kids. A coach telling them to hit the ref doesn't change excuse their behavior. Neither does their accusation of the ref using racial slurs. They are responsible for their actions and those actions deserve punishment. If a coach told them to do this, then he too deserves punishment. If the ref did indeed use racial slurs then he as well deserves punishment.

There will be consequences - it's just how much and if it goes beyond the players

 

[YosemiteSam]

It just wasn't that big of an assault to me.

I think it was cheap, childish and low class, I just don't think it should be criminal.

As a grown man there is no way I would pursue criminal charges if I was the ref.

He got blindsided by someone in pads and he was not nor expecting to get hit. That is dangerous. Not to mention the second kid speared him in the back with his helmet.

You damn right I would be pressing charges.

I would be suing / pressing charges against the coach too if it's proven he ordered the assault.

 

[WoodysGirl]

The coach should have tire marks from the bus the kids threw him under. lol It's not to say he didn't tell them, but so far the actual quotes attributed to him don't mean go tackle the ref on the field.

These kids, their lawyers, and their parents need to go sit in a corner somewhere and let the investigations run their course. Doing a media circuit doesn't get anyone on their side.

 

[joseephuss]

I was listening to a local radio show this afternoon. The two guys on the show are backing the referee. They don't think the kids are telling the truth. The radio guys landed an interview with thee attorney for the referee. This guy came across as a stereotypical attorney that people love to hate. They asked him if the two boys were lying during their interview on Good Morning America. Instead of a simple answer he just rambled on and on. It was quite annoying listening to him skirting around the question. I understand there are legal reasons or strategies for not providing a direct response, but he could have dealt with that by simply saying "no comment" or the like. In my opinion, he did his client no favors. The attorney did mention that the referee is receiving medical attention for his injuries.

 

[dogunwo]

There are a couple of reports that an assistant coach said that the ref should pay for making a bad call. The specific quote does not allude to leveling the ref on the field. He's been put on administrative leave until their investigation is complete.

Even if the ref said some racist things, very, very poor way of handling it. Whatever the motive, I'd still kick them off the team and press charges.

If I am the referee, I don't know that I am pressing charges on the kids if I am not physically hurt in some way. It seems like the kids are facing heavy punishment without adding legal issues.

 

[trickblue]

I was listening to a local radio show this afternoon. The two guys on the show are backing the referee. They don't think the kids are telling the truth. The radio guys landed an interview with thee attorney for the referee. This guy came across as a stereotypical attorney that people love to hate. They asked him if the two boys were lying during their interview on Good Morning America. Instead of a simple answer he just rambled on and on. It was quite annoying listening to him skirting around the question. I understand there are legal reasons or strategies for not providing a direct response, but he could have dealt with that by simply saying "no comment" or the like. In my opinion, he did his client no favors. The attorney did mention that the referee is receiving medical attention for his injuries.

I like that new four hour rendition of Jeff and Ed...

 

[joseephuss]

I like that new four hour rendition of Jeff and Ed...

I do, too. Two level headed, knowledgeable guys.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Well this settles it as far as the coach. Doesn't absolve the kids. They know right from wrong.

 

[DFWJC]

I was listening to a local radio show this afternoon. The two guys on the show are backing the referee. They don't think the kids are telling the truth. The radio guys landed an interview with thee attorney for the referee. This guy came across as a stereotypical attorney that people love to hate. They asked him if the two boys were lying during their interview on Good Morning America. Instead of a simple answer he just rambled on and on. It was quite annoying listening to him skirting around the question. I understand there are legal reasons or strategies for not providing a direct response, but he could have dealt with that by simply saying "no comment" or the like. In my opinion, he did his client no favors. The attorney did mention that the referee is receiving medical attention for his injuries.

But really, it doesn't matter what the ref said or didn't say.
The actions of the players are inexcusable under any circumstance.

If it's found that the ref did throw out a slur, then that's a separate deal altogether and he should be disciplined in some manner.

 

[joseephuss]

But really, it doesn't matter what the ref said or didn't say.
The actions of the players are inexcusable under any circumstance.

If it's found that the ref did throw out a slur, then that's a separate deal altogether and he should be disciplined in some manner.

I've said as much. I think the vast majority of people feel the same way.

 

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

Assistant Coach admitted he ordered the two players to hit the ref as retaliation

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_...ee-response-alleged-racist-comments-bad-calls