All Right in the Long Run

Chauncey Washington slips past defenders with speed, power and elusive moves that make the South Torrance High junior one of the top running backs in Southern California. Not surprisingly, Washington’s talent has thrust him into the spotlight. Unlike last year, he is not trying to avoid it.

Washington would have given anything for anonymity during the 2000 season, when he was involuntarily cast into the national media glare because of a bizarre postgame incident.

A year ago today, South Torrance Coach Brett Peabody was assaulted on the field by the father and uncle of a South Torrance senior who were upset about the boy’s lack of playing time at running back.

Washington was a 15-year-old sophomore in his first season at South Torrance and had supplanted senior John Martinez Jr., who rushed for more than 1,000 yards the previous season and also started at linebacker.

The incident, which resulted in criminal proceedings against the father and uncle, gained national attention as one of a string of violent acts by parents involved in youth sports.

“I never imagined something like that could happen,” Washington said of the attack on Peabody.

“It was hard for me and everyone else to deal with.”

Peabody and Washington say they helped each other work through the aftermath of the incident, and Washington went on to gain 1,548 yards as South Torrance advanced to its second consecutive appearance in the Southern Section Division X semifinals.

With Washington leading the way, South Torrance appears to be a contender again this season.

The Spartans are 3-4 overall and 3-1 in Ocean League play after Friday night’s 57-22 loss to North Torrance. Washington, 6 feet 1, 205 pounds, rushed for 88 yards in 22 carries and scored two touchdowns in the defeat. He has rushed for 1,203 yards in 145 carries and scored 17 touchdowns this season.

“My goal is to win a championship and gain 2,000 yards,” Washington said. “But teams are keying on me more. Last year, as a sophomore, they didn’t know much about me.”

Washington began attracting the attention of opponents and South Torrance coaches last season during the Spartans’ second game against West Torrance.

“He looked great and had two runs of 60 yards that were called back because of penalties,” Peabody said. “That opened our eyes.”

As Washington’s role increased, Martinez Jr.’s playing time on offense decreased, setting the stage for the incident after South Torrance’s 24-21 loss at North Torrance.

John Blaz Martinez was reportedly angry that his son had carried the ball only three times in the game and confronted Peabody on the field as players made their way to the team bus.

According to police, after a short conversation, the elder Martinez, without provocation, hit Peabody from behind and knocked him to the ground, where Peabody was also struck by Anthony Julio Martinez. The two men were arrested, booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery and released later that night.

“It was very hard for Chauncey,” Peabody said. “He didn’t know how to take things. He thought it was his fault.

“He broke down a couple times and when we would talk, I’d say, ‘Hey, you can’t help what’s happened. You’re a good kid.”’

John Martinez was eventually charged with one count each of misdemeanor battery, battery against a school employee and battery on school property. Anthony Martinez was charged with two counts each of misdemeanor battery, battery against a school employee and battery on school property because he had also struck South Torrance assistant coach Chad Nammack, who was coming to Peabody’s aid.

Rather than facing trial, the Martinez brothers last November pleaded no contest to one count each of misdemeanor battery against a school employee. They were sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years probation. They also were ordered to pay a $910 fine or perform 152 hours of community service and complete a one-year anger-management class.

After the sentencing, John Martinez said, “What I did wasn’t right,” and that he regretted his actions.

Rick Hicks, Peabody’s attorney, said Friday that a civil suit has been filed against the Martinez brothers on behalf of Peabody and members of his family who witnessed the assault. Hicks said an April 2 trial date has been set; however, the case has been ordered to mediation.

The Martinezes could not be reached.

Peabody said he is still feeling the effects of the assault.

“I’m having a tough time talking and dealing with some parents,” he said. “I’m afraid of any sort of discussion, not only because of how they’ll react, but how I’ll react. That’s the hardest thing for me.”

Washington said he has put the incident behind him. He began the season by rushing for 306 yards, including touchdown runs of 80, 83, 69 and 62 yards, in a 52-33 victory over Beverly Hills that was later forfeited.

“Our team has had some ups and downs, but we’ll be all right if we stay together,” Washington said. “It’s good to be able to just focus on what’s happening on the field.”