Supporters defend Linden High School football player who hit opponent with helmet

LINDEN, N.J. (WABC) -- Supporters of a New Jersey high school football player captured on video apparently hitting an opponent with the opponent's helmet say it was accidental and that the situation has been blown out of proportion.

Police are investigating the incident. The student was kicked off the team and suspended after the school said the hit was flagrant and dangerous, but his family has another take.

According to the player's supporters, it was an act of frustration in the heat of battle where racial epithets were being hurled at the time.

They say that he complained to officials before things got out of hand about being fouled by the player from Immaculata using the crown of the helmet to smash into another player.

The Linden player's mother doesn't condone her son's actions, but says he is now being crucified.

"He is really apologetic for this, he didn't mean it. It was an accident," said Anita McDuffy. "And my thing is, he said his hand got stuck in the helmet and I believe my child. I'm not saying he's right for what happened, I'm not saying he's wrong, I'm going to stand by my son. At the same time, if it was so bad, which it was a bad incident, they should have took 'em out of the game."

Both players did finish the game. The foul seen in the video happened in the second quarter.

The superintendent of the Linden school system said he stands by his decision to suspend the player for the rest of the season.

Salaam Ismial, director of the Elizabeth-based United Youth Council, said Thursday that the players from Linden High School and Immaculata High School had been battling all game and that the Linden player didn't mean to hurt the other teen.

The Linden player was removed from the team and the school district says it is pursuing the severest discipline permitted against him. Police are also investigating.

Ismial says the player should face a few days of suspension.

A referee penalized the Linden player for unsportsmanlike conduct and the Immaculata player was taken to a hospital after the game, where he received 10 stitches for a contusion.

A dead play ended with some pushing and shoving, and as the Immuculata player fell to the ground, his helmet became dislodged. That's when the Linden player picked it up and smashed it into the player's head. The victim received 10 stitches.

The school district is using this as a "teachable moment" to reiterate to players and the coaching staff that violence is not tolerated and will be greeted in the strongest possible way.

Linden Public Schools superintendent Danny Robertozzi released an updated statement on Wednesday regarding the incident:

"The Linden Public School District is extremely disheartened by the incident at the Varsity Football Game between Linden and Immaculata High Schools on Friday, September 11, 2015. The Board of Education is appalled by the conduct of this student athlete. His action on the field is contrary to the type of sportsmanship Linden requires from its student athletes. The brutal action taken by this young man is simply unacceptable and will not be condoned. Accordingly, the Board is pursuing the severest disciplinary measures permitted under law and has removed this student from the football team. In addition to

the stern action to be taken against this student, the Board shall stress with all of its student athletes that such egregious conduct will not be tolerated and that all athletes must adhere to the highest level of proper sportsmanship that has always been the hallmark of Linden sports.

"While disciplinary consequences have been imposed against this student, the Board cannot lawfully comment on the specific disciplinary action being taken. As a public school student, this young man is entitled to certain due process and confidentiality rights that prevent the Board from commenting more specifically on the actions being taken. Accordingly, the Board asks that the Public respect the legal restraints that limit the Board's ability to more fully discuss this incident."

Immaculata school officials released the following statement:

"This was a very serious incident that may have been overlooked during the game. Once we reviewed the videotape we felt it necessary to contact Linden officials who in turn have been very cooperative and apologetic. We do not believe this reflects the Linden athletic program. Our history with them has been stellar for many years now. Our player sustained an injury and had to go to Morristown Hospital and receive 10 stitches to close his wound. We were not surprised that he handled himself with restraint and maturity at the time of the incident, upholding Immaculata's expectations for sportsmanship. We have been in contact with Linden administration and they have assured us that their player has received the maximum consequences for this type of incident. We also contacted the NJSIAA, the Linden police department, and have reached out to the Union County prosecutor's office. Our main concern is for the safety of all student-athletes in high school athletics. We expect that the officials at the NJSIAA and local authorities will follow up to determine the appropriate consequences for such an action."

Linden police say the incident is under investigation by the Juvenile Bureau to determine if charges will be filed.

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