On September 7, 2010, Darrion Denson, a 15 year old Dr. Phillips High School freshman football player has charged several varsity football players with choking and beating him up in the varsity locker room. He was thrown into a garbage can, his money was stolen, and he was transported to the hospital by ambulance. There is a hospital report that he received a concussion from the beating, and he is required to wear a neck brace.
The Orange County Public School Board is doing an investigation into the incident, and after speaking to 75 students and 12 staff members, it has been determined at the present time that one student has received disciplinary action. The investigation is still open and the school board is working closely with the Orange Police Department, who has an open investigation in progress also.
The Denson family is extremely upset and they have hired an attorney, because they believe the school administration has not treated them fairly. To begin with, no school official did not go to the hospital to find out what was the extent of the injuries to Darrion Denson, and if they could be of assistance to the student, or the family. On September 8th and 9th there was no contact with a school official, until the 10th.
On September 10th an administrator called and wanted an interview with the student, and it appeared that the school board was not concerned about the student’s condition. On the 11th and 12th there again was no contact. On September 13th there was an email sent wanting medical reports, police reports, and a signed statement. On September 15th, Frank Kruppenbacher, the family’s lawyer hand delivered the information and there was eventually a short interview with the student and board officials.
Woody Rodriguez, the school board’s lead attorney held a press conference where he stated that the family was not cooperating with the investigation, and some of the charges were thought to be inflated. On the other hand the family believes that the district is not taking this investigation seriously and there is a cover up.
If there were 30 players in the locker room when the hazing and beating incident took place, there appears to be an issue with only one student being disciplined. The truth will eventually come out. Our school system should be a place where our children can always feel safe.
