Comments about ‘Volunteer football coach won't be charged with felony in Utah County case’

If two credible witnesses to the same incident have two totally different accounts of what happened a jury isn't going to find the defendant guilty. I know that as a juror I wouldn't want someone found guilty unless I was sure he was.

What is missing in this entire scenario, is that coaches and players are supposed to stand 2 yards BACK of the sideline. They are NOT authorized to stand on the sideline, especially when the play comes towards them. It's in the rule book, folks!! When one runs a down box or a chain, or even officiates in the middle of the field, you are taught to RETREAT away from ball carriers, moving backwards out-of-the-way! Why didn't this coach get back the two yards away from the sideline when he saw the play was coming towards him? And then why didn't he "catch" the player, rather than repell him? There is some serious lack of training in that league!!!

" The case will now be referred to the city attorney's office in Payson for possible misdemeanor charges."

Put me on the Jury. This guy is NOT GUILTY. A football player was running toward him at full speed and he put his arms out to keep from getting plowed into the ground. It was a reflex. There's no way anyone will prove otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. Any prosecution would be arbitrary and capricious.

It becomes clear that youth football should be banned and hopefully this situation will help in getting it done. Youth are at risk, mother's are hovering over their little ones as in this case, even though they are not interested in their boy's health and welfare by letting them play. Fathers and other's are rude and say distasteful things in the process of trying to get a win. It is time in order to protect the health and welfare of these boys, and they are boys, from getting hurt both physically and mentally that changes be made.

Payson City can do whatever they want in order to keep their attorney busy even though it may cost both the taxpayers and this coach. I have watched the video over and over and what would you do if a football player were coming fast with their "body armor" they have in their equipment. How Payson City made their decision when the pros at the Utah County Attorney rejected it is beyond me. It must be their free reign with the finances and pressure from helicopter parents.

LA Nelson