Wednesday, February 12, 2003
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Wednesday, February 12, 2003 |
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2 FCHS hazing suspects guilty; coach resigns By JOHN
MUNFORD and By MONROE ROARK
Two former Fayette County High School football players have pled guilty to reckless conduct for their role in a hazing incident involving another player. In addition, FCHS is looking for a new football coach in the wake of the resignation of its rookie varsity chief, James Edwin Lindsey. Matthew P. Hoisington, 18, and Daniel Jeb Thaxton, 17, have both pleaded guilty to reckless conduct (party to a crime). Both were sentenced to one year on probation and $125 fines. Hoisington also paid the victim's medical expenses: a $15 deductible. Hoisington and Thaxton have also agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the case against fellow teammate Jason Watford, 18, who is accused of hitting the victim with a weight belt after dragging him around the locker room floor. Watford is charged with simple battery and reckless conduct. Although Hoisington and Thaxton participated in tying up the victim, they both intervened once the situation escalated, said State Court Solicitor Steve Harris. "They both took steps when it got out of hand to say, 'This is enough,'" Harris said. Harris said he expected Watford's case would also be resolved before going to trial. Police originally indicated they thought the victim was singled out for possibly causing the team to run more in practice. The incident occurred after football season ended for the Tigers. In another development, for the second time in a year, Fayette County High School is looking for a new football coach. Head coach James Edwin Lindsey submitted his resignation to FCHS principal Dr. Charles Warr Jan. 28, according to school system spokesperson Melinda Berry-Dreisbach. The resignation is effective May 28. Lindsey, whose only coaching duties involved football, came to Fayette County last April from Williston High School in Florida, Berry-Dreisbach said. He wants to stay with the school as a teacher, and Warr accepted that request, she added. While offering very little comment as to the possible reason for the decision, citing personnel guidelines, Berry-Dreisbach said that Lindsey felt the football situation "wasn't working out." Hiring of teachers and coaches is at the discretion of the principal, with no school board action required, except for the general personnel list approved at each month's board meeting. The Tigers finished the 2002 season with a 2-8 record.
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