American Fork Pheasant Killed by Viewmont Coach

FOX13 UTAH

AMERICAN FORK, Utah -- Police cited a football coach for animal cruelty after he stepped on a ring-necked pheasant that was released on the field as a prank. The bird was barely breathing after its injuries and was subsequently killed by an administrator, police said. "It went from being amusing to very tragic," American Fork Police Chief Lance Call said. Two boys from American Fork High School released the pheasant Friday during a football game against Viewmont High School. The game was stopped for about five minutes in the third quarter as officials attempted to get the bird off the field. "They succeeded in shooing it off the field onto the Viewmont side," Call said. "One of the Viewmont (staff), what appeared to be an assistant coach, stomped the bird." Richard Layton, 47, was given a summons to appear in court on the misdemeanor charge. The teens were referred to Juvenile Court for a similar offense and disorderly conduct. Layton, who has an unlisted home phone number, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Police reviewed video of the incident. The Daily Herald of Provo published a photo Wednesday showing a coach with his foot on the pheasant while players and others watched. Dan Linford, assistant principal at Viewmont High, said he watched video and doesn't believe Layton intentionally stomped the bird. "I don't see a wind-up," Linford said. "It's believable he was just trying to push or pin the bird down as it ran into him, and what they're calling a stomp was a step backward. "I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt until our internal investigation is over," Linford said.

AMERICAN FORK, Utah -- WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME VIEWERS. DISCRETION IS ADVISED. In this video, a man is seen stomping a pheasant to death at a high school football game in American Fork. The incident prompted an investigation by the Division of Wildlife Resources.

BOUNTIFUL, Utah -- COACH'S STATEMENT TO FOX 13:

In response to the numerous media inquiries regarding the unfortunate events that transpired during last weeks football game at American Fork, I would like to express sincere regret over what took place. It was clear to me from the sideline that whoever released the pheasant had previously plucked the birds tail feathers, thereby inhibiting its natural ability to fly, flee or otherwise defend itself. After several minutes of unsuccessful attempts by others to catch the bird, it came running toward me on the sideline. In an effort to pin down the bird, I tried to stop it with my foot causing me to lose my balance. The pheasant, still alive at the time, was then picked up off the ground and immediately euthanized. It was not my intent to seriously harm or jeopardize the life of the bird. Anyone who knows me knows I am a compassionate person with a respect for animals. Im sorry to all affected by this incident but most of all to the administration, faculty, staff, coaches, football players and student body of Viewmont High School and American Fork High School. Finally, Id like to express my appreciation to my family for their love and support.

Sincerely,
R. Dean Layton

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Category:

Sports

Tags:

• American
• Fork
• Pheasant
• AFHS
• Play
• offs
• Playoffs
• Foot
• ball
• Football
• Victory
• First
• Round
• Viewmont

[karsonswitchfoot]

What kind of mascot is a caveman. You don't even have to make fun of it... it does that all by itself.

[usteeler81]

I agree, I'm not pro killing of animals, but PETA takes it too far.

[fromvirginiawithlove]

yes it is viewmont

[utahsims]

That is NOT Viewmont!

[specialKismyname]

hope i see that guy one day. anyone know his adress?

[Polypropellor]

Cracks me up that Azigoth would criticize Fox News "for sensationalizing this story"...yet, AZ the idiot was happy enough to watch it him/her self....titilating isn't it...Azi? Aren't you glad Youtube still has it up?

I doubt very much Az would criticize the NY Times for sensationalizing the Duke University Lacrosse team and the filthy black stripper who lied about them raping her...naw...that's too liberally correct.

[CRDLIBERTY]

Why didnt he catch the bird in his hands? Then call the school the pheasants

[soltuti]

you suck

[Azagthoth12]

Yeah it does suck, and the people that were being cruel were the idiots who released it on the field.

You know what else sucks?

1. Fox news for sensationalizing this story

2. Idiot teenagers that fight over sporting events

3. Local Police that don't know how to handle this type of situation.

[kittenshateyou]

The person who plucked the tail feathers of this bird and then released it should be kicked in the balls. Nice. Way to be a human being.

[kittenshateyou]

animal cruelty sucks.