Injury Claim Puzzles Police, Stadium Officials : SDSU Student Says His Neck Was Broken in Scuffle With Security Guards

San Diego police and San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium officials say they are in the dark about allegations made by a San Diego State University student who says he suffered a broken neck in a scuffle with security guards during the SDSU-UCLA football game Sept. 16.

John Kellogg, 21, suffered two fractured vertebrae and underwent surgery last week at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. But how Kellogg suffered the injury remains a hotly debated issue, and it is made more confusing because Kellogg has refused to talk with police about the incident.

Meanwhile, Kellogg, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, has hired attorney Robert Coffin and plans to sue Pro-Tect Professional Service, the company in charge of stadium security. Coffin said Kellogg “will be suing the people responsible for his broken neck” and suggested that Pro-Tect is responsible. He refused to comment further.

However, Peter Hayes, president and owner of Pro-Tect, said Kellogg was part of a rowdy group of Sigma Phi Epsilon members who were ejected from the stadium.

Complained of Knee Injury

After Kellogg was ordered to leave the game, he complained of a knee injury, according to Hayes. He was taken to the stadium’s first aid office, where he became “hysterical,” Hayes said.

It is unclear what happened next. What is known is that, later that night, Kellogg was admitted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.

Kellogg’s allegation that he suffered a broken neck in a fight with security guards suggests that a crime might have been committed, but Detective Steve Shelby said the man has refused to talk with police.

“I got notified of this last week and went to the hospital to interview the young man. He had just come out of surgery, and I spoke with him briefly. I left him my business card and told him to call me. I haven’t heard from him yet. As far as I’m concerned, there is no case. I’m at Square 1,” Shelby said.

Mark Watkins, a friend of Kellogg’s, said he witnessed the alleged fight with security guards, and was told by Kellogg not to discuss the incident with anyone, including police. “All I can tell you is that they operated on him and removed a bone from his hip and put it in his neck,” Watkins said.

Problems With Rowdy Students

Jack Argent, assistant stadium manager, said he has heard reports about the incident but does not know anything more. However, Argent said stadium officials have had problems with rowdy San Diego State University students at Aztec games and have complained to SDSU Athletic Director Dr. Fred Miller.

“It’s a war in that student section. There’s a lot of ushers who won’t work in that section. We’re trying to get a meeting with the athletic director to see how the school can help us control them (students),” Argent said.

Miller could not be reached for comment.

Pro-Tect has been providing security at San Diego Padres and Aztecs games since 1986. The company has also worked the Holiday Bowl since 1986, and Argent said it has a good reputation with stadium officials.

According to Hayes, Kellogg’s allegations are “someone’s interpretation of what happened, but not factual.” He said he did not see anybody with a broken neck or neck injury on the day of the game.

In Group Warned by Police

“We heard about a serious neck injury on Monday afternoon, following the event. The kid’s mother called and said she wanted the names and phone numbers of the people who she said beat her kid up,” Hayes said.

Hayes said that Kellogg was part of a rowdy student group that had been warned earlier by police. The group was walking around the stadium “kicking trash cans and intimidating women in restroom lines,” Hayes said.

After receiving the police warning, the group “paraded” in front of UCLA fans, “inciting the visiting team’s fans and causing them to throw things at them,” Hayes said. At that point, security officials decided to eject the entire group, which was composed of 18 fraternity members, he said.

Kellogg “was not physically ejected. He complained about a knee injury and was taken to first aid,” Hayes said.

It was while Kellogg was at the first aid station that he became hysterical, Hayes said.

According to Hayes, Pro-Tect has conducted an investigation and forwarded a report to Miller at SDSU and to the company’s insurance carrier.

“We interviewed their witnesses,” Hayes said. “All I can tell you at this point is that there are way too many discrepancies in the statements of their alleged eyewitnesses. We’ve included the information from our witnesses. We have numerous witnesses and have documented our side. If Mr. Kellogg wants to sue, that’s his right. All I can tell you is that there is no truth to his allegations.”