High school wrestling ‘butt drag’ controversy lurches forward

The only trial I’m aware of that features testimony on high school wrestling anus penetration gets underway on Jan. 27 in Fresno. But in the meantime, an investigative board for the Clovis Unified School District has recommended expulsion for Buchanan High School wrestler Preston Hill, who has been accused of sexual battery against a teammate. Hill faces a criminal trial for a “butt drag” maneuver he used on a freshman this past July during practice. Fresno Bee:

The decision came after the first public airing of a case that has provoked a furious community debate over when an aggressive move in sports becomes a crime.

Quote of the Week belongs to Hill’s wrestling coach, Tyrell Blanche, who testified during the athlete’s expulsion hearing on Thursday:

Blanche testified that when he wants a wrestler to do a butt-drag maneuver, he yells out, “Grab booty!” Blanche said he teaches his wrestlers to grab the leg right below the butt cheeks for the move.

“But when it’s a live match, and a lot is on the line,” Blanche said, anything can happen, even penetration of an opponent’s anus. After seeing the coach cry, Hill’s mother, Kristin Hill, left the hearing in tears. She quickly returned.

In essence, Hill’s supporters say he was just using a move taught to him by his coaches, and that he would never intentionally harm anyone. Prosecutors contend that Hill is a bully who did it on purpose, and has a history of trying to intimidate the victim, who is still fearful of retaliation at school.

See you for the trial later this month.

This never would have happened if Dumbledore were still alive.

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Panel recommends expulsion in Buchanan ‘butt drag’ case [Fresno Bee]