On Wednesday, a judge dismissed charges against four Star International Academy football players who allegedly attacked a Lutheran Westland quarterback in the final minute of a game played back in October. Lutheran Westland was leading 48-6 at the time and the referees had informed both teams that the Westland QB was going to take a knee to run out the clock, and to take it easy.
Star International Academy players did not grant that request, instead the four players who were eventually charged with assault, decided to go after the quarterback. They hammered him into the ground, causing him to suffer a Grade III concussion - the worst.
Now the judge (Mark Plawecki) said "Whoever authorized these charges have apparently never watched a football game, let alone played." He went on to explain, "the game was over, the referee said to take a knee. But teams do not ordinarily take their orders of how to play out a game from the referee."
No, but any respectful and responsible player does listen - or take orders - from referees. Those who do not obviously have no respect for their opponents, the game or in this case, the law. Since when does the fact that this taking place on the playing field absolve these players from facing the severe consequences that should come with such actions?
This young man from Lutheran Westland didn't deserve this. There was obviously intent to hurt him. In everyday life if you or I take part in a scuffle in which we knock a person unconscious, we're going to face the consequences of our actions. I guess we just have to make sure we do it in the athletic arena.

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