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Details emerge in assault on U. players
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Who will tell? | 4:44 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
there will be a slip up from the other side as the loose lip syndrome will
happen. but avoid conflict at all cost as it could have been much
worse...finding the perpetrators will not be that hard. Some are already known
by the police for this kind of behavior.
RR | 5:48 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I don't think this is a case of the wrong place at the wrong time,
it's a case of don't open your mouth to strangers taunting you, and
especially don't go approach them to tell them to knock it off, even more
especially in a bigger city where people are calling you names. It's
terrible to end it in stabbing. The lesson is don't talk to strangers
yelling at you. They should have learned this in elementary.
Comments continue below
Ryan | 6:59 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
"(he couldn't recall her last name)"???
Make a phone call and get it! What is this, a high school newspaper?
It's a shame to hear about this senseless violence. I hope the attackers are found. But, you know, that might be a little easier to do if someone would have the GUTS to release their descriptions!
Make a phone call and get it! What is this, a high school newspaper?
It's a shame to hear about this senseless violence. I hope the attackers are found. But, you know, that might be a little easier to do if someone would have the GUTS to release their descriptions!
JD | 6:59 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
No one deserves to get stabbed, but it doesn't surprise me the football
players (ego) got involved, telling the suspects to shut up and throw a snowball
at them. It seems more than just the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe Coach
Whit ought to address that instead of make excuses for it.
Good Reporting | 7:46 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
So we get the whole story, not from the police, but a blow by blow report from
the father of the victims. I'm sure it is unbiased.
Especially how Paul Jr. stated "Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over."
Come on, I feel badly for what happended, feel badly for the families, but could we be anymore biased in a story?
Especially how Paul Jr. stated "Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over."
Come on, I feel badly for what happended, feel badly for the families, but could we be anymore biased in a story?
jeff | 8:04 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
are you trying to be politically correct by not releasing the "detail"
regarding the race of the people in the cars!?
what??? | 8:19 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Could we hear from the police, not just "good ol dad" whose
opjectivity is a little suspect, or I should a lot suspect. Ute football
players are not exactly known for being "humble, quiet and reserved."
Quite the opposite. Whittingham encourages the aggressive, "put it out
there" behavior. What happened was horrific but what did these boys
expect. Walking on and keeping your mouth shut would have helped. Throwing a
snowball and hitting a car is an invitation to a fight. Don't ask me why
but it just is among the macho driven men of the world.
Bias? | 8:23 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Wow - I suppose that there might be some zoob witness who would give the trib
the real scoop. Cougs, your own biases are so transparent with stupid and silly
comments like this.
Hmmmm.... | 8:25 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Why is the father releasing details of the incident, shouldn't that be the
police dept. job..????..hmmmm
Keep your mouth shut | 8:25 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
The players technically did nothing wrong by talking some smack and throwing a
snowball. Otherwise great kids easily get caught up in that kind of stuff. But
there is no doubt that today that can get you cut up or worse. It's a scary
world we live in.
Brian | 8:25 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
From the comments it is clear that most of these people have never had anything
like this happen to them. When thugs are out looking for a fight it takes
nothing much to become their victim. They are cowards who come armed for a
fight and outnumber you and surround you so there really is no retreat anyway.
Amazing how many people find a way to blame the victim.
Give me a break | 8:26 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I love all you "experts" acting as judge, jury, and executioner in a
situation you know nothing about.
This happened at a TEAM-ORGANIZED PARTY!! This was a party thrown for recruits on official visits. The football team organized, sanctioned, and paid for the party. That's why there were so many football players and recruits there - it was mandated by the coaching staff. That's why there was no alcohol.
If there was more to it than what was said in this admittedly lame article, why haven't charges been filed against the players? Why hasn't Whittingham suspended them for even one game? This isn't BYU - the U actually punishes players who break the rules or the law.
Please, by all means keep on judging them - judging others is what Jesus taught us to do, right?
This happened at a TEAM-ORGANIZED PARTY!! This was a party thrown for recruits on official visits. The football team organized, sanctioned, and paid for the party. That's why there were so many football players and recruits there - it was mandated by the coaching staff. That's why there was no alcohol.
If there was more to it than what was said in this admittedly lame article, why haven't charges been filed against the players? Why hasn't Whittingham suspended them for even one game? This isn't BYU - the U actually punishes players who break the rules or the law.
Please, by all means keep on judging them - judging others is what Jesus taught us to do, right?
To RR | 8:31 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Ignoring idiots can make them just as mad as saying something to them. In this
day and age the right strategy is to dial 911 as soon as someone starts
harassing or assaulting you (verbal or otherwise). Being on the phone to the
authorities is as intimidating as it gets. It won't always work, but it is
the best bet.
And it begins.... | 8:33 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
"Give me..." Thanks for officially making this a BYU vs. Utah issue.
Good grief, get a life.
You make me sick | 8:34 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
How can you accuse these guys of wrongdoing? You think he deserved a punctured
lung for telling someone to shut up? Stab in the back is just punishment for a
snowball? In that case, I don't even want to think what you deserve.
Based on all evidence that has been presented, these kids did nothing wrong. Too many of you in Provo seem to be having a hard time with that. You know, you can be a good person and attend the University of Utah, despite what they taught you in Sunday School.
Based on all evidence that has been presented, these kids did nothing wrong. Too many of you in Provo seem to be having a hard time with that. You know, you can be a good person and attend the University of Utah, despite what they taught you in Sunday School.
What? | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Uh, Manase Tonga was suspended by BYU for getting a traffic ticket. Don't
think that would ever happen at Utah.
Spin Zone | 8:39 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Wow, could this story have been spun by the dad any more?
Re: Give me a break | 8:44 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Give yourself a break and don't feel you have to belittle BYU any chance
you get. This article has absolutely nothing to do with that school.
You're no expert on what BYU does, so who is judging now?
Rose | 8:51 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I am waiting to read the police report. It sounds to me like the football
players were invited to fight and they accepted the challenge. They should have
walked away, they are lucky to be alive. I would like to know more about who
attached them, it would be nice to have the police out looking for the cowards.
Why are the Ute fans screaming at the Cougar fans?
re: Bias | 8:53 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Why make it a BYU-Utah thing. You Ute fans are so combative, hypersensitive and
lame.
Just let it go as a weak story.
And yes, I have been involved in altercations with thugs, and have never used or heard someone use the phrase:
"Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over."
Lame story, lame apologist.
Just let it go as a weak story.
And yes, I have been involved in altercations with thugs, and have never used or heard someone use the phrase:
"Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over."
Lame story, lame apologist.
Anonymous | 9:01 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
J.D. are you suggesting the players brought this on themselves and that
Ute's coach take a stand on a situation in which few facts are known?
Perhaps you might wait until all the details have emerged before making this
judgement call.
Cool It | 9:04 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
The players did nothing wrong.
The players were outnumbered, and without weapons when the fight started. Yet some say they were looking for trouble. Yeah right.
The fellas in the cars had weapons and were looking for trouble.
The fact that these athletes are not dead is a testament to their courage and ability.
The players were outnumbered, and without weapons when the fight started. Yet some say they were looking for trouble. Yeah right.
The fellas in the cars had weapons and were looking for trouble.
The fact that these athletes are not dead is a testament to their courage and ability.
Get real | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
No excuses for the attackers please, macho football players or not, knives and
screw drivers because someone yelled back at you is sick and evil. These thugs
need to be identified and put away to protect all of society. Of course they
were looking for a fight so even if words were not exchanged the attack would
have happened. The police won't be a source of information because the
investigation is ongoing, they'll get the job done quicker if they
don't have to play it out in the media. This would not happen to anyone if
we all just stayed home and never went out, what a sad STATE we live in if it
has come to that.
Re: JD | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Stop defending the attackers. They stabbed two people period.
hey jeff | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
what does the race have to do with it. are you a cop the police are the only
ones that need all the info. we can get it when they get caught
Whiplash | 9:09 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
C'mon folks. These are good young men who were attacked by some low-life,
loser thugs. From a die hard BYU blue fan.... I'm sorry to hear about the
attacks and hope the Ute players make a speedy and full recovery. Some people
take a fun and healthy rivalry way too far. Plug those holes up and get back in
the weight room! I'm looking forward to another 4th and 18 next year.
Give me a break: thanks for the additional information. Wish they would have put that in the original article so people don't have to wonder about the type of party they were leaving. Poor reporting.
Give me a break: thanks for the additional information. Wish they would have put that in the original article so people don't have to wonder about the type of party they were leaving. Poor reporting.
Re:What??? | 9:13 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Your a little confused here, your blaming the guys that got stabbed. If they
were BYU players I'm sure it would be the other way around. Your a troll.
Look | 9:16 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
""Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over." ??? What -
is this 1955?
Anonymous | 9:17 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Hey 're: bias,' if this isn't a Utah-BYU story (which indeed it
isn't), why generalize by saying "you Ute fans are so
combative...?" People all over this board and others are actually
questioning the character of these young men. The real issue is that they were
stabbed and could've been killed. Does it really matter which university
they attend or whether they play sports? Instead of looking at this as two Ute
players get stabbed, look at is two human beings were stabbed while walking down
the street from a party. As for the one player throwing a snowball, yes, that
was surely a foolish response to being yelled at. I'm sure he regrets those
actions. Still, it doesn't merit being stabbed. Let's just hope Paul
recovers fully.
same old same old | 9:19 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
First and foremost hope the players recover quickly and are able to get back to
100 percent; shouldn't get a shank in the back and ribs for mouthing off.
I guess its just the times we live in. That being said, it's getting to be
extremely difficult for this BYU fan from out of state to read the DN anymore
without people hijacking the comment section (ON ANY ARTICLE) and turning it
into a Mormon vs non, Utah vs BYU argument. Same old same old. Every day the
same bickering. Yawn.
Fritz | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Yeah, I think Dad was too biased too. They should have gotten comments from an
unrelated person who was not there to see anything. To make it less biased they
should not know the victims either. Hey! That would be me. So, here is what
really happened. They were walking home and a UFO came down and sucked them up.
The "stab wounds" are really from shoddy alien exploratory surgery.
They dumped them out and changed their memory to remember the given story. That
is the straight, unbiased, uninformed truth.
Come on folks. Get a life. Yes the father might be biased, but the writer had to use the best available sources. It is common to use relatives for information. BYU had nothing to do with this incident, and no I am not from Provo. This was an unfortunate incident, and the cowardly scum who did it are still out there. Don't try to make more out of it than is in the article.
Come on folks. Get a life. Yes the father might be biased, but the writer had to use the best available sources. It is common to use relatives for information. BYU had nothing to do with this incident, and no I am not from Provo. This was an unfortunate incident, and the cowardly scum who did it are still out there. Don't try to make more out of it than is in the article.
Lame Story | 9:32 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
This was a lame story. We don't know any more details now than we did
before. From the few details given, it doesn't sound like the boys were in
the wrong place, just there at the wrong time. I'm not going to fault them
for the exchange of words that Dad so dutifully filtered for us. I probably
would've run my mouth, too, never thinking somebody would stab me over it.
There was no alcohol or drugs involved, and the players didn't start.
Could they have walked away? Maybe, but from the sounds of things the thugs
definitely planned on attacking somebody that night. Shudder to think what
would've happened to a group of average size boys that night.
But to "give me a break," really? Are you really going to contend that Bronco, who has suspended some of his boys over caffiene, is more lenient than Kyle, who has ignored a DUI arrest among other things?
But to "give me a break," really? Are you really going to contend that Bronco, who has suspended some of his boys over caffiene, is more lenient than Kyle, who has ignored a DUI arrest among other things?
Todd | 9:35 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Let's don't forget that 2 of these players were stabbed, and one of
them critically. Since when did talking smack, and throwing snowballs warrant a
knife attack? I gather from some of the posts that some of you are condoning
what took place, and that is appalling, and for this to become a Cougar vs. Ute
thing how ridicilous. The reality here is no matter the school affliation or who
said and did what to start the incident 2 people were stabbed, and someone could
have died.
In the know | 9:38 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Dear Friends, I wish I could convey to you the character and honesty of this
family and these young men. They are good people. I know the Kruger family
personally. I assure you that any faults you find in this story are not the
making of the family. I assure you if any of us were in a similar situation, we
would have done as Paul did and try and protect our family---that is what he
did, try and protect his brother and sister and friend from a situation that got
out of hand. I have been there. Afterwards, one feels terrible, but the
consolation is that in the end you were trying to protect loved ones. The
Krugers are victims!!! I submit that walking away wasn't an option. So now
my good friend lies in a hospital bed while the perpetrators run free.
Re: Cool it | 9:39 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
The players did nothing wrong? Maybe not criminally, but if they keep their egos
in check, then this doesn't happen. What they did wrong, was mouth off to a
group of thugs. You got to know when to pick your battles.
FANS, knock it off! | 9:44 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
BYU fans quit blaming Ute fans for making it a "BYU-Utah thing," and
Ute fans quit bringing BYU into this.
This is nothing more than a tragic event that happened to a couple of guys who didn't deserve this.
Whittingham is doing and saying the right stuff, and what seems to be the truth to the best of his knowledge.
Don't accuse the dad of lying just because you know nothing about how gangsters work, it seems to me that his story is pretty legit.
This is a classic example of what thugs do. They decide they want a fight and they go get into a fight they don't care if it is one sided or not. If you talk they jump you, if you run they jump you, if you call 911 they jump you.
"Wrong place at the wrong time" I couldn't have said it any better myself.
Paul only has one kidney and if he were stabbed there instead of where he was he would be dead.
Quit trying to make this the victims fault.
There is only one group of people to blame this on,
THE PEOPLE THAT DID IT!
DON'T BLAME THIS ON THE VICTIM.
This is nothing more than a tragic event that happened to a couple of guys who didn't deserve this.
Whittingham is doing and saying the right stuff, and what seems to be the truth to the best of his knowledge.
Don't accuse the dad of lying just because you know nothing about how gangsters work, it seems to me that his story is pretty legit.
This is a classic example of what thugs do. They decide they want a fight and they go get into a fight they don't care if it is one sided or not. If you talk they jump you, if you run they jump you, if you call 911 they jump you.
"Wrong place at the wrong time" I couldn't have said it any better myself.
Paul only has one kidney and if he were stabbed there instead of where he was he would be dead.
Quit trying to make this the victims fault.
There is only one group of people to blame this on,
THE PEOPLE THAT DID IT!
DON'T BLAME THIS ON THE VICTIM.
MadMax | 9:47 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
To intimate that the Ute FB players did anything deserving of being attacked
with knives and screwdrvers is beyond ridicuous. Further, to insinuate that the
party attended was not wholesome is also biased. Words and snow balls do not
warrent being attacked by a 'gang' of hooligans on the prowl. These
attackers are cowards and bullies.
Bythe way, a description of the 'alleged' attackers and the vehicles involved would help in gathering information leading to their capture and eventual trial. Regardless of the ethnicity of these villans they deserve punsihment, not plea bargaining. An example must be made so that similar conduct is discouraged in the future.
Thank God that the players were not more seriously hurt and they are recovering well. God bless you guys!
Bythe way, a description of the 'alleged' attackers and the vehicles involved would help in gathering information leading to their capture and eventual trial. Regardless of the ethnicity of these villans they deserve punsihment, not plea bargaining. An example must be made so that similar conduct is discouraged in the future.
Thank God that the players were not more seriously hurt and they are recovering well. God bless you guys!
Anonymous | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
throwing a snowball at a car is battery.
seems to me the players escalated the situation.
seems to me the players escalated the situation.
Mike | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I grew up in a large city and you have to learn to walk away from this type of
situation. It's easy to just say that they were in the wrong place at the
wrong time, but you can almost always avoid a fight. Football players,
especially the big ones, rarely walk away. It's not in their nature!
What would've happened if one of them had called 911 and promply reported the license plate number of the vehicle as soon as this started to escalate?
That would've probably scared the attackers away!
What would've happened if one of them had called 911 and promply reported the license plate number of the vehicle as soon as this started to escalate?
That would've probably scared the attackers away!
Fritz and Ryan Replyer | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Like you Fritz and Ryan, I think that this article was biased.
Why didn't the DN interview the guys in the car who jumped out and stabbed these fellows? I think then we would know the 'unbiased' truth. How come they didn't interview them?!?
When will these writers learn good journalism?
Why didn't the DN interview the guys in the car who jumped out and stabbed these fellows? I think then we would know the 'unbiased' truth. How come they didn't interview them?!?
When will these writers learn good journalism?
Spitz | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Anonymous, you are right. These board become peppered with insults no matter
what the topic. People, say something relevant or don't post at all. We get
it - some people love the Utes and some love the Cougars. Who cares?
Anonymous | 10:04 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
"Details emerge..." Should read, "Half truths emerge from
Dad..."
"Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over." Are you joking???
"Look this is not worth getting into a scuffle over." Are you joking???
Dick | 10:27 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I'm sure the story we're hearing is somewhat biased. Even so, the
victims didn't deserve to be stabbed.
We need to stop this BYU/Utah nonsense. Both schools have athletes that have been in trouble in the past and will in the future. This didn't happen because Whittingham teaches this anymore than the BYU guys who broke down the door of an innocent apartment dwellar and threatened to kill the occpants did that because Mendenhall teaches that kind of behavior.
And, for the guy above talking about Tonga, he was suspended, not for getting a traffic ticket, but for giving false information to a police officer (an assumed name). Mendenhall, or anyone else, doesn't suspend players for a simple speeding violation or failure to stop at a stop sign.
Let's let the police do their duty and wait for an official report before judging any of the victims on this.
We need to stop this BYU/Utah nonsense. Both schools have athletes that have been in trouble in the past and will in the future. This didn't happen because Whittingham teaches this anymore than the BYU guys who broke down the door of an innocent apartment dwellar and threatened to kill the occpants did that because Mendenhall teaches that kind of behavior.
And, for the guy above talking about Tonga, he was suspended, not for getting a traffic ticket, but for giving false information to a police officer (an assumed name). Mendenhall, or anyone else, doesn't suspend players for a simple speeding violation or failure to stop at a stop sign.
Let's let the police do their duty and wait for an official report before judging any of the victims on this.
From a Cougar Fan | 10:28 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I am a Cougar Fan. Although we all have our feelings about the rivalry, I hate
to see anyone get hurt like this senseless act. Whether it was provoked or not,
biased or not does not matter. The main fact is that individuals were injured
in a senseless manner. My best goes to the all the U players who were injured
and hope they have a speedy recovery.
A Parent | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I'm old school enough to believe a parent has the responsibility to get out
his family's account of what happened.
Mock the paper for its reporting if you will, but the story is about what the Krugers' dad knows about what happened.
Thank goodness that Paul Kruger's injuries were no worse than they are.
It is frightening to me how college athletes can become targets for this kind of senseless violence.
Somebody knows who the attackers were. Turn them in!
Mock the paper for its reporting if you will, but the story is about what the Krugers' dad knows about what happened.
Thank goodness that Paul Kruger's injuries were no worse than they are.
It is frightening to me how college athletes can become targets for this kind of senseless violence.
Somebody knows who the attackers were. Turn them in!
Some ignorant posters? | 10:36 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Since when is getting jumped from behind with knives and screwdrivers the
victims fault? The thugs jumped these players from behind? For all of you who
said you would ignore them and walk away? I guess thats what our country should
have done on 9"11". But we were attacked without warning just like
these football players were. But you say whatever makes you feel good until it
happens to you or a family member and see how you repond. You are a bunch of
cowards. Move to France please!
Be decent people | 10:53 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
Wow... From a "true" coug fan, not part of the nerd herd, these
comments are dispicable. Anybody in this situation would have been jumped. The
fact that it was a few Utes makes no difference. This is scary, and would have
been a lot scarier if the football team was outside, for the "thugs".
True thugs don't ride around looking to jump someone, these
"thugs" are just posers. 2Pac is dead ya'll, time to live and
love. Listen to Marley.
Re: A Parent | 10:56 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
These guys were jumped because they were football players, I don't believe
that the thugs cared who they were. They were jumped because they mouthed off.
That's all it takes for a thug to act. But please, football players are NOT
being targeted.
Come on BYU | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 23, 2008
I think it is funny how so many BYU fans were on here talking about how they
were so concerned for the players and were praying for them, now you turn around
and essentially stab them in the back with your comments about the guys being
the provokers. Seems like you take pride that they were provoking....I'd
rather have them do that and throw snowballs than to be RM's who lie about
there identity! Come on people!!!!
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Just wondering about that . . .
It seems strange that an attack would be this random. There has to be more backstory to this. And perhaps it might just be that they were targeted for being athletes.
But, honestly, it doesn't matter why this occurred.
Whatever happened, a stabbing is never justified. I'm really glad that everyone is going to be OK. And I wish all three players a speedy recovery, and I hope to see all of them on the field next season.