OAKLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) --- Officials in Kennebec County are continuing to sort out whether a former high school football coach should be charged with assault. Wes Littlefield stepped down as head coach of the Messalonskee Eagles last month after being accused of hitting one of his players.
Littlefield had been the head coach at Messalonskee High since 2003. The Kennebec County District Attorney's office is now trying to determine whether he should face criminal charges for the hit. Littlefield was summoned to appear in court next month.
Walter McKee represents the student who was allegedly hit by Littlefield. He says his client was struck in the head by the coach as the Eagles were running plays during a team practice.
McKee claims the hit came with full force and was enough to unsnap buckles on the players football helmet.
Yet Littlefield's attorney Jason Jabar says that wasn't the case. He says he spoke to several players that witnessed the hit and they claimed it wasn't significant.
"I've played football," Jabar said, "I've had my helmet grabbed by coaches on several occassions. One time I remember it spun my head around...Ya know some coaches have that sort of style and some coaches don't."
"This wasn't rough coaching," remarked McKee, "this was a criminal assault. My client was struck in the head...whether it was on the football field or off the football field. It does not matter. It was illegal."
McKee says he's hoping the DA's office will take full criminal action against Littlefield. The assault charge he could face is a misdemeanor and carries up to a year in prison as well as fines.
NEWS CENTER