Quote:The first kid dove into his spine helmet-first, and the second slid his helmet into the ref's back while the ref was on the ground. Even a 17-year-old presumably knows where the spinal column is and what happens if you break it.

 

I put a lot of blame on the coach as well, but according to what I've seen, the coach told three 17-year-olds to attack the ref, and one of them refused to do so because he knew it was wrong. That should be all the evidence anyone needs to go after both assailants and the coach with criminal charges, and to give them all (including the "innocent" 17-year-olds who were "just following instructions") jail time. If the ref picked up any medical expenses or lost wages after the attack, I hope he goes after all three in civil court as well.

 

Yes, but you aren't considering the fact it was done in the heat of the moment.  You are presuming a lot by saying they were trying to paralyze him.  Were they trying to hurt him?  Yes, but I doubt the kids wanted the guy not to walk for the rest of his life.  

 

I didn't say not to criminally charge them.  I was simply saying let's deal with the facts and look at everything as a whole instead of getting out the pitch forks.

---