2 Palmdale Players Sentenced in Attack

Two Palmdale High football players accused of attacking referees during a Golden League game pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery charges Friday and were sentenced to probation and community service.

Darius Wilson and Michael Warren, 18-year-old seniors, were placed on two years’ probation by Newhall Municipal Court Judge H. Keith Byram in connection with a brawl that occurred during their team’s Oct. 13 game against Saugus. Wilson, who slammed official Brad Woolley to the ground, also was ordered to perform 480 hours of community service.

Warren, who jumped into the fray against a second referee, was sentenced to 400 hours of community service.

Each must complete one day of community service a week. Community service routinely involves trash pickup sessions along county roads.

The players also were ordered to make restitution for medical or any other expenses incurred by the officials. If either player violates probation, he faces the possibility of six months in jail, according to Pamela Springer of the Newhall district attorney’s office.

“They’re going to be busy young men,” Springer said. “I think this is a fair punishment. It sends a message to players and coaches that this kind of conduct cannot and will not be tolerated.”

The incident, at College of the Canyons, occurred in the fourth quarter after officials walked off three consecutive penalties against Palmdale. Officials suspended the scoreless game, and Wilson was arrested in the locker room afterward.

Golden League officials awarded Saugus a forfeit victory and the players were suspended from school.