Watch VideoPueblo West coach faces criminal charges
Story By: David Ortiviz
Source: KOAA
Criminal charges have been filed against a Pueblo West coach who's accused of encouraging two football players to carry out an attack against a classmate. This comes just a few weeks after the alleged attackers, were expelled from school for a year.
Coach Dan Sanchez faces two criminal charges: reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, felony.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by News First, Sanchez induced, aided, or encouraged two student football players, to attack a classmate. It happened in a hallway at the school on December 13, 2007.
Some parents say the football players allegedly broke the victim's jaw for bullying another student. Although other parents say the victim didn't bully anyone.
Coach Sanchez not only reportedly watched it happen, but allegedly supported his players to carry out the attack.
"There does seem to be a blurring of boundaries between coaches and players," said Marjorie Genova, a psychotherapist, who is unaffiliated with this case.
Genova spoke to News First in general about the bond coaches share with their players. Genova says coaches need to be aware that anything they do or say, can have a strong influence on their players, both on and off the field. "They (coaches) need to be aware that many children always want to please individuals in authority for the most part," said Genova. "But responsibility has to be taken on both parts, of the person in authority as well as the young person," she added.
The two juvenile football players were expelled from the school district for 365 days.
Coach Sanchez will make his first court appearance in March. He remains on administrative leave from his job with the school district.
Meanwhile the victim continues to recover. His mother tells News First, this has been an emotional and physical roller coaster for her son.
