Three Palmdale Football Players Charged in Attack on Referees

Criminal charges have been filed against three Palmdale High football players after two officials were attacked on the field during a scoreless Golden League game against Saugus Oct. 13 at College of the Canyons.

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 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 have awarded Saugus a 2-0 forfeit victory in the 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 team’s 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. However, the job of first-year Coach Kent Bothwell is not in jeopardy, Miner said.

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