H.S. Student Blames Coach for Brawl

SACRAMENTO (CN) - A high school football player suffered a "severe concussion" in a post-game brawl started by one of his own coaches, the boy claims in court.

Jeffery Luft sued the San Juan Unified School District and its employee Steven H. Coburn, in Superior Court.

Luft claims that on Sept. 21, 2012, after his own team, Bella Vista High School, defeated visiting El Camino, "the two teams and coaching staff were in the middle of the field walking by each other saying 'good game,' demonstrating good sportsmanship when one or more of the coaches for Bella Vista High School started what was initially a verbal altercation with other players/opposing coaches from El Camino High School which rapidly degenerated into an all-out brawl."

Luft, a team member, did not dress for the game because he was academically ineligible, he says in the lawsuit. It continues: "Plaintiff was out on the field in street clothes whereas most of the other combatants were in their full protective football gear. Plaintiff was either head butted from behind or struck from behind by another student presumably from the opposing school but possibly from Bella Vista High School. The player was holding his football helmet by the mask and used as a handle to swing the helmet. Plaintiff was hit in the base of his skull. He was knocked out, suffered a severe concussion and continues to have physical and mental effects through to the present."

San Juan School District did not respond to a request to comment.

Luft seeks medical expenses and damages for negligence and lost earnings.

He is represented by Steven Heller of Sacramento.

Follow @jamierossCNS

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