MatcomNews Update: T-Ball Coach Who Had Autistic Kid Injured Gets PRISON

[matcom]

<snip>

UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A youth league baseball coach convicted of getting one of his players to injure a teammate was sentenced to one to six years in prison today.

Fayette County Judge Ralph Warman said the actions by Mark Downs Jr., of Dunbar, in June 2005 were "outrageous" and "extremely reprehensible" because he was coaching a league of children 7 to 9 years old.

Testimony indicated Mr. Downs promised $25 to one of his best players if he hurled a ball at Harry Bowers Jr., 11, an autistic and mildly retarded teammate, presumably to keep him from playing in a game.

A jury convicted Mr. Downs last month of corruption of minors and conspiracy to commit simple assault.

Judge Warman sentenced him to six months to three years on each count.

Mr. Downs didn't say anything during this afternoon's sentencing hearing. But as he was led away, he replied "Yes" when asked if he thought the sentence was too harsh.

Judge Warman could have sentenced him to up to 12 years.

Mr. Downs' bond was revoked and he was taken to jail to await transfer to a state prison.

Mr. Downs' family, including his wife, a 6-week-old baby and three other children were in the courtroom for part of the hearing. But the three older children were hurried out before the actual sentencing.

Jennifer Bowers, mother of the injured player, said the sentencing ends a chapter in the story. "Hopefully we can close the book on this," she said, but added her son still doesn't understand what happened.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/pp/06285/729503.stm

[Robb]

1. You know, if this was fiction

...your editor would slam you for calling the coach Coach Downs. :eyes:

[MrCoffee]

2. that coach is a piece of shit...lock him up.

he had the autistic kid hit TWICE, once in the junk. he's a fucktard.

[ThomCat]

4. Agreed. I think some prison time is certainly appropriate.

Now he has a felony conviction, and he'll have to find a job when he gets out. He's going to find out what it's like trying to compete from a disadvantaged position.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Good! This news makes me happy.

:rofl:

Fucking sports creeps.

[kay1864]

5. Coach Freeper? You decide...

"Mr. Downs contended that everyone who testified during the case had fabricated the story so they could defame him"

[mark414]

6. i wonder what he'll tell the other prisoners why he's in there

maybe someone will throw a ball or two (no pun intended) at him

[LaraMN]

7. Good. The Dickwad deserves it.

I hope it sets an example for people who think that kind of behavior is no big deal.

[Haole Girl]

8. That's a very strange story

People never cease to amaze me.