Players Assault Referee during High School Football Game

Two high school football players could face assault charges for intentionally hitting a referee during a game in San Antonio Texas.

Video footage proves it was no accident

After authorities viewed footage of the alleged assault they stated that the players, 15 year old Victor Rojas and 17 year old Michael Moreno, did in fact hit the referee deliberately during an early season game. One of the teens hit the referee from behind and the other teen hit him while he was on the ground. Both athletes were suspended from John Jay High School until the following semester.

Tackle the Quarterback, not the referee

Assault charges for tackling another athlete in a high school football game are unlikely, as long as it was part of the play and there was no harm intended. While tackling of players is expected, athletes are expected to differentiate between a member of the opposing team and someone on the sidelines such as a coach or a referee. Run in’s with bystanders can happen occasionally, but intentionally hitting someone, athlete or other, in order to cause bodily harm is likely to end in assault charges.

Was it teenage aggression or just trying to please the coach?

Although most teenagers are capable of thinking for themselves, they are also known to do whatever it takes for their team or their coach. Originally it was claimed by the teenagers and verified by the coach that they were following through with the coach’s order to take out the ref after some racial comments were made. The coach has since been relieved of his position on the team and with the school. He has also recanted his statement of involvement in the assault.

Make good choices on the field

Accidents are bound to happen in high school sports, but athletes should never cause harm purposefully, even if coerced to by a trusted coach. For information on assault or other charges stemming from high school sports, contact a juvenile defense attorney.