3 Players Charged in Attack on Referees

Criminal charges have been filed against three Palmdale High football players in connection with an on-field attack of two game officials during a scoreless Golden League game against Saugus High last Friday night.

Darius Wilson, 18, of Palmdale, Mike Warren, 18, and a 16-year-old player whose name was not released, will be arraigned Nov. 14 in Newhall Municipal Court on charges of misdemeanor battery, according to the Newhall district attorney’s office.

If convicted, the players could face a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $2,000 fine, according to Pamela Springer of the district attorney’s office.

The three players also have been suspended indefinitely from school, and a recommendation for expulsion will be forthcoming, according to Palmdale Athletic Director Bob Miner. The three also have been barred permanently from participation in high school interscholastic athletics.

Golden League administrators Thursday awarded Saugus a 2-0 forfeit victory. That game, played at College of the Canyons, was a league opener. On Friday, the league released a statement listing sanctions against Palmdale.

Among the sanctions, Palmdale’s varsity football team has been placed on probation through the 1990 season, and the coaching staff will face “appropriate disciplinary actions” from the Antelope Valley Union High School District.

“The coach has to be ultimately responsible for the team, and the Antelope Valley Union High School District will deal with that,” Miner said. Miner, however, said that the job of first-year Coach Kent Bothwell is not in jeopardy.

“You’re never happy to forfeit a game, there’s no doubt about it,” Miner said. “We had some kids that were at fault that prevented the game to be completed, and we had to pay the ultimate price.

“There has been a lot of mud-slinging, but I think it’s time to stop and go and be positive. Hopefully . . . we all learned from it.”

The incident began midway through the fourth quarter when Wilson (6-foot-2, 175 pounds), a starting defensive back, charged back judge Brad Woolley and threw him to the ground. Palmdale’s bench cleared and the head linesman, identified by Woolley as Mike Davis, was struck by Warren (6-3, 150), a senior linebacker.

Wilson was arrested by L. A. County Sheriff’s deputies immediately after officials suspended the game. Neither Warren nor the minor was arrested.