justingoblue

October 18th, 2012 at 4:54 PM ^

He's right that if he had done the same thing, he would have lost his scholarship and maybe been facing consequences through the school and risked his status as a student there. I might think going after him criminally is the wrong way to go, but if the police and the DA see something criminal, he's within his rights to press charges.

This is the first I've heard of this story, but I'd be surprised if the coach isn't suspended/fired/whatever after the video got out, especially in today's world.

Sinsemillaplease

October 18th, 2012 at 5:30 PM ^

and I think the injury plays into the police being interested. This can't be viewed as a coach simply getting physical during the practice of a physical sport. The athlete hasn't been able to play since. Out of anger, the coach resorted to violence leading to an injury. No matter the sport or level of violence, that cannot be allowed. I've taken hits from coaches during drills where contact is expected... this isn't like that.

B-Nut-GoBlue

October 18th, 2012 at 11:47 PM ^

I had a coach tackle me my Freshman year of high school.  It wasn't voluntary but I was asked if I'd stand in; I couldn't say "No, coach, I will not allow this", and it was for demonstration (it was also on to tackling pads).  The aforementioned really has nothing to do with anything.  Anyway, who really knows how all this went down.  It probably shouldn't have been done, but like OP says, the fuggin' PO-LEECE!???

edit:  OVERRATED: Clap-Clap-ClapClapClap

Jeffy Fresh

October 18th, 2012 at 4:53 PM ^

Seriously? This is football. This kid is soft. Coaches push, they yell, they slap you upside the helmet. If you ever played the game you most likely experienced it. It is not assault, it is the way the game is. If you don't think Hoke or Mattison grabs the players and shoves them in the middle of practice you are delusional.

Blazefire

October 18th, 2012 at 5:27 PM ^

I agree completely. It was very wrong, and I'd be very disappointed. But is that really criminal? The kid is in pads and gear, so he's well protected from harm. And coaches grab players and jerk them in close, getting right in their faces all the time. I agree that it was wrong, but I think short of throwing punches or kicks, pushes or pulls in a football practice fall within the lines of acceptable motivation. This one is stupid and innefective, but not criminal, I dont think.

justingoblue

October 18th, 2012 at 5:32 PM ^

That's pretty much what I said above. I don't think he needed to go to the cops (although he's well within his right to), but going to the AD or someone within ISU's administration was definitely something that needed to be done.

Edit: Above someone said that he was injured on the shove and hasn't been able to play since. If that's actually the case (that he was injured to that extent by his coach) I throw out everything about not going to the police. I would have done exactly what he did: get a lawyer and follow his advice.

LB

October 18th, 2012 at 5:49 PM ^

They were there, and know the background. If they think the player was being a wuss, he will have no fun this year. Other than not using "maybe, perhaps or might", I don't see a thing wrong with JBT's post. He angared the  permanently aggrieved, it appears.

aratman

October 18th, 2012 at 5:55 PM ^

Did Woody get prosecuted when he actually punched someone in the face?  I know it is a different day and age but come on man.  This isn't that big a deal.  It is real expensive to investigate little stuff like this.  What is the best case for punishment?  I have had my kids hug after they pushed each other down maybe the judge could order some cuddling.  I have taken bigger hits at Wal-Mart on black Friday and that was from my wife.  Don't stand between her and a $5 toaster or she will lay you out.

qbyrd

October 18th, 2012 at 8:34 PM ^

I'm not a$$ hole but I think this goes alot further than a push and he got hurt.  He has an vendeta against the coach.  All the actioins shows something was a brewing anyways.  The kid sounds like player that was not part of the team....at all.  I am not saying the coach is right but come on the kid needs to be in swimming because I am sure the practice squad never hit him as hard as his coach did (i make myself laugh ha ha ha)

Frito Bandito

October 18th, 2012 at 8:46 PM ^

Cmon now. My high school head coach broke a clipboard over a kids head.. The kid obviously needed to take his head out of his ass. There's a reason girls don't play football.

Tater

October 18th, 2012 at 9:48 PM ^

This kid flopped better than any soccer player I have seen in twenty years.  He obviously doesn't take to coaching very well.  Instead of sucking it up and being a man, he has chosen to allow his ego to run the show.  

Football is a man's sport; this kid obviously has no business trying to play it.  I would imagine he has already started the wheels in motion for a lawsuit.  Vince Lombardi wouldn't last a month in today's coaching paradigm.