Police have filed charges in a September on field football fight involving Hamburg and Annville/Cleona players. The South Annville Police Department has completed their investigation into an incident that occurred during a football game between Annville/Cleona and Hamburg on Sept. 6.
According to police, ‘the South Annville Police Department upon completion of their investigation have filed charges for Simple Assault and Disorderly Conduct in regards to the incident that took place on the playing field on Sept. 6, 2013 during the Annville/Cleona – Hamburg Football Game. Due to the case involved Juveniles, no other information will be released.’
The incident that has been seen on many news outlets happened during an on field fight that was caught on camera that showed a Hamburg player removing the helmet of an Annville/Cleona player and using that helmet to hit him on the head twice. The Annville/Cleona football player walked away from the incident with a minor injury. South Annville Police have been investigating the fight since the incident. Both players received a one game suspension as per PIAA rules.
Shortly after the incident hit the news, another video was released involving the same Hamburg player during a practice that took place at the beginning of 2013. The video was taken to the District Attorney who dismissed the case. Hamburg Area School District released a statement from superintendent Steven Keifer on Sept. 18 which stated that ‘in both cases there were significant consequences given in a timely manner to those who made mistakes. Since these are student and staff disciplinary actions they are confidential in nature and therefore will not be released to the public.’
At the end of the season, head coach Joe Sinkovich resigned after nine seasons with the team. His decision was made at the beginning of the season prior to both incidents making headlines.
