Laguna Beach Investigates Assistant’s Role in Brawl

Barbara Callard, Laguna Beach High School principal, said Monday that school officials are investigating assistant football coach Mike Klingenmeier’s involvement in a bench-clearing brawl during a Pacific Coast League game Friday night against Costa Mesa.

A fight broke out between two players with 10 minutes 26 seconds remaining in Costa Mesa’s 38-0 victory Friday night at Newport Harbor High School. The fight evolved into a melee between coaches, players, officials, a few fans and a chain-crew worker.

Callard said no disciplinary action has been taken against Klingenmeier, an assistant freshman football coach and son of Laguna Beach Athletic Director Tom Klingenmeier. Mike Klingenmeier allegedly punched a Costa Mesa player during the fight.

“We’re still looking into it,” Callard said. “But our films showed that he was there to ward off a charging Costa Mesa player.”

After a 10-minute delay, referees ejected Laguna Beach player Mike Roberts and Costa Mesa players Mike Cota, Adam Hernandez and Don Hill.

Callard said Roberts “will receive counseling” about his involvement in the fight and will not be suspended.

Callard said she met Monday with Laguna Beach coaches and players, as well as Costa Mesa officials, about the incident.

“Our goal is to pull groups together from both schools--coaches, administrators and players,” Callard said. “The last thing we want to see is this carry over to other sports.

“I think everyone was reacting at the spur of the moment.”

Costa Mesa Principal Mike Murphy was unavailable for comment.