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The Alameda County’s District Attorney’s office yesterday was looking into charges that a coach for the Pleasanton Junior Football League attacked and injured County Supervisor Scott Haggerty on the Foothill High School campus in mid-October.
The coach, ex-NFL tight end Jeremy Brigham, confronted Haggerty when the supervisor went to the school to pick up his son after practice. Brigham accused Haggerty, a former assistant coach for the pre-teen Cowboys team that Brigham coaches, of giving an opposing team coach the plays the team had planned to use in a game between the two teams.
Haggerty denied the claim and said he never knew the plays to begin with.
As the argument at Foothill continued, Haggerty claimed that Brigham shoved him over a low fence and struck him on the back. Haggerty ended up with injuries that had him wearing a neck brace at several public events that followed.
Pleasanton police were called, but Police Sgt. Jim Knox said he could not comment on the case whch is now before the distrct attorney.
Haggerty told reporters that he never acted aggressively himself and left (Foothill) as fast as he could, then called 911 before going to the hospital. For a while, both Haggerty and his son, who suffered torn muscles and a mild concussion that ended his season with the Cowboys, were wearing neck braces.
Mike Shevelson, vice president of the PJFL, told San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross that the incident was “an internal thing for the league” and “you’re doing a disservice to report it.”
Even so, the columnists published their story and the PJFL suspended Brigham for one game. He is now back coaching his 10- and 11-year-old boys’ team.
I don’t care if it is an internal thing – it is ridiculous to expose our children to this type of barbaric behavior. They are KIDS. He should not be allowed to coach any kids – in any sport – at least for a year. The PJFL is part of the problem by letting him continue to coach.
This is not the PJFL that I remember. I only coached a year but i recall how important sportsmanship and good behavior was for coaches to project and did. Teaching the fundamentals, safety for the kids, the best equipment and sportsmanship/modeled good behavior was the mantra of PJFL’s existance.
I do not know the facts of this matter but this was anything but what the apparently “old” PJFL stood for or what they would codone. I hope they will take the appropriate action. It really is up to the parents to force what’s right.
Sadly lost in all this is Scott Haggerty’s son and his scary injury. I hope he will be o.k.
This incident happened weeks ago. Has been reported in the SF paper, Valley Times and CNNSI.com all this week. Haggerty must be running for reelction or just trying to get in the spot light. Talk to the parents that were there and have had run ins with Haggerty over the years and you will get a new perspective. What Jeremy did is part of the issue and he could have controlled the issue a little better but lets get all the facts on the table.
Nice job weekly you are only a few weeks late reporting this.
Leaking plays to the opposing team? Getting in fight on the field? This type of behavior is clearly out of character for Supervisor Haggerty, and must be false. NOT!!
What happened to the “Community of Character” lessons that were taught to the children and famiies of Pleasanton? This is a perfect example of out of control adults influencing impressionable youth with their immature and unprofessional behavior. Sports are no longer fun games where families sit arund and cheer the youth on. The sports programs have become political platforms and so highly competative that the “fun”, healthy activites, and learned skills are lost to adults living through their children’s youthful energy. It is a sad thing to see adults modeling such poor sportsmanship. Come on guys this is Little League not the Majors! You had your chance in the spotlight. Let the kids have fun.
I agree “concerned parent” and your comment regarding the Community of Character. I think it would be a great thing if the two adults in question, and possibly every other coach involved with PJFL, took to heart the six character traits that make up our Community of Character. Or make them all read the book: “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Steven Covey, which is basically the same thing.
concerned parent
you don’t even have your sports correct. PJFL is football or the super bowl, Little League and the majors is baseball.
He has not been charged because it take two to tango and Scott is a little punk with some serious issues. Is he still drinking does anyone know? Was a big problem for him.
He has not been charged because it take two to tango and Scott is a little punk with some serious issues. Is he still drinking does anyone know? Was a big problem for him.
Blame the victim…
The loser is always called the victim in a fight but unless you witnessed the event you don’t know anything for sure accept they got each other upset and atleast one was upset enough to lose their cool. I have seen many people use ‘fighting words’ relying on the fact it is illegal to be hit by the guy they are talking to. They hide behind the law forgetting that some people are willing to let things play out and deal with the law later. Be polite and kind, you never know who is going to call your bluff.
So sad to only report Scott Haggerty’s side, which is completely distorted. I understand why it is one-sided though as Scott HAD to comment and make up the story he did to try to save his own bottom. What really happened was not reported but will come out. Everyone that really knows Scott knows his temper and his controlling behavior. Jeremy, onthe other hand, is the one of the most rational, gentle, and easy-going people I have know. No worries….the truth will prevail.
Also missing from the story is his son getting hurt that Saturday and being airlifted out of the sportspark. Word is his son really didn’t need to leave the sportspark that way, ( it is sad that he was hurt and it came to that step being considered for treatment but it was heard that he said he had the best insurance and his insurance would cover it. My guess is we are paying for his insurance.
Scott Haggerty has for years selflessly devoted himself to public service and I am sure he was wholly undeserving of any such abuse.
Shame on Brigham for taking undue advantage.
Sadly Pete Stark also endures similar underserved abuses as they are both great public servants.
HAGGERTY IS A F
THE REASON PLEASANTON WEEKLY TOOK SO LONG REPORTING IS THEY NEVER WANT TO REPORT THE TRUE FACTS ABOUT WHAT REALLY GOES ON IN PLEASANTON CRIME, GANGS, DRUGS,SEX IN PUBLIC AT ALL THE LAST THREE HOMECOMING DANCES AT FOOTHILL, DONT THINK ITS TRUE ASK YOUR KIDS WHO GO TO FHS.
Scott was on a hill talking to a parent, someone whispers in Jeremy’s ear that Scott gave the other team their play information. Jeremy loses his cool, runs up the hill and attacks Scott. It turns out- the person who whispers in Jeremy’s ear, said he was only kidding. Not the first time Jeremy has lost his cool on someone. Scott’s kids were crying and trying to pull Jeremy off. I understand Jeremy had a “talk” with the kids about sportsmanship afterwards. No one deserves to be attacked. No matter what. What are we teaching our kids? Jeremy? Sportsmanship? NO!!!
Did Jeremy try to gouge his eyes out as well? I dont think someone that exhibits that type of behavior should be teaching our kids how to be community leaders and have good “sportsmanship”. What an a_ _!
Tell this guy his NFL days are over and he is just another private citizen within a community that prides itself on tolerance and non-violence. Total joke.
Someone is seriously going to try to say that Haggerty, a politician, would start this fight with an ex-NFL player? Whoa….some folks out there need some reality meds!
Not saying that Jeremy is guilty of anything, but one must admit the likelihood Jeremey inititated this is pretty much a given.
Scott Haggerty has been a friend for many years but we don’t see each other often. Even so, I know him pretty well—his strengths and his weaknesses. We all have them. I do not know Jeffery Bingham but for him to be accepted by the PJFL as a coach, he has to be of good character or he would not be coaching. The PJFL that I knew always strived to get the best coaches; with good character a very important requirement. I was sorry to hear that such an event occurred and I heard about it on the radio on Tuesday and it came as a shock.
Having a temper, I know how things can quickly get out of hand.
What I believe is needed is for these two grown men to sit down and resolve this thing AND turn this sad event into a positive learning lesson for all the kids. Both of them need to take the “High Road” and seize a chance to “teach” a valuable lesson to the kids. The timing is right.
People will attack me for my support for Haggerty. I support him for many reasons. I have personally seen him so many times show his support for a variety of youth programs—from small youthful children programs to teen programs. He has continued to support disadvantaged youth throughout his district and the county.
To be fair I have seen him “emotional” and rude. When I have seen this, it has usually been in response to how he was treated. As for ego, we all have those and he has one too. No excuses for him, just my experiences.
This was an unfortunate event. Most importantly, I hope Sean continues to heal. As far as a “Community of Character”, we are far from perfect but we try and that is good—but we do fail on occasion. A valuable lesson could be had here–the question is—will the opportunity be seized by all those involved?
My son was on a team last year with both of these coaches. I have nothing bad to say about Coach Jeremy- my son learned a lot from him, and loves football more because of him. Any time we see him he goes out of his way to connect with my son. Coach Haggerty on the other hand even admitted at out team party about his temper getting out of hand and chuckling about it. Now I have seen some things on the football field from coaches and parents that is astonishing – the way some people change when their CHILDREN are playing a GAME- the rage and intensity that comes out of some of these adults is crazy. Normally calm and rational people change completely. I don’t think it is a PJFL thing, I think it is so many sports here in Pleasanton- people need a reality check- it is a game people, and these are kids- lighten up and try to stay positive. I am sure Scott and Jeremy did and said some things they are both not proud of… if you weren’t there, you don’t know. To say that Scott Haggerty is totally innocent or you are sure he didn’t deserve this behavior- like I said, if you weren’t there, you don’t know what the situation was. I agree with Scott Walsh who said, seize the moment and let these men handle the situation and teach the kids a valuable lesson about what to do when you behave badly.
John
I do know my sports, and most people would make the connection. It doesn’t matter if it is Football, baseball, soccer or any other sport my statements apply to all. These games are for children, lower division sports. Not intended for professional athletes or connections. The fact is a very low percentage of youth playing any sport will ever make it to the BIG league teams. Talent will find a way to the top without sacrificing character, integrity, sportsmanship, good leadership, etc. Sorry you didn’t get it.
All these people picking sides and not one of them were even there to witness the alleged “beat down” of an innocent person. Repeating what others told you is what the courts call “hearsay” and carries no weight in determining the facts of what happened. I’m sure that Pleasanton PD will do a complete investigation and the DA’s office will review it for any crime that may have occurred.
Rarely is it the kids that cause the problems….having coached a dozen teams…it almst always the parents (which usually includes the parents who are coaches too)
by the way, does Stacey comment on EVERYTHING…get this girl a collum with the weekly…or get a job!
Ok…maybe people will learn something. Assault legally occurs without being touched by the ‘criminal’. Battery is when one is touched by the ‘criminal’. I DON”T KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED, I WASN’T THERE. Haggerty could have assaulted first and then was inturn battered or vice versa or something else entirely. People assault people all the time thinking that it takes battery to be illegal. They use fighting words thinking it is legal and blaim the assualted one when they are battered. Both are crimes.
TY, tyu, for the clarification.
Does anyone find it strange that an incident in mid-October has not brought up charges from the Pleasanton PD? Usually, when there are witnesses, there are arrests and/or charges within 24 hours, especiialy when someone is injured. In this case not. Makes me think that the PD thinks, someone might not be telling the truth. -or- they were offsetting penalties (sorry for the pun).
Ha, offsetting penalties. I absolutely think it says something that charges have not been filed. Turning it over to the DA without arrest says to me that it’s an interesting story that is not exactly how Haggerty has explained it. The witnesses know the truth and an unbiased one could best explain it. I want a cheesey reinactment like on those documentry style TV shows. One version for the coach, one for Haggerty and then at the end an unbiased wittnesses. Three diffrent stories and I’d bet Haggerty’s would be the best. Him doing nothing, trying to get away, a former pro TE chasing him down, pushing him over a fence all for no reason. Horror film material.
Is it not strange that:
Haggerty claims that he “does not know any of the plays”, yet he was the Offensive Line Coach?
Doesn’t the Offensive Line Coach usually know the plays?
If the Offensive Line Coach doesn’t know the plays, shouldn’t he be fired?
If he would lie about something as small as this, he wouldn’t have any problem lying about the big things, would he?
Didn’t Haggerty also recently betray all the folks who voted for him as a Republican by turning to now being a Democrat?
Seems like he lied to all those folks who voted for him.
If he would lie about that, wouldn’t he lie about this?
Isn’t it true that Haggerty actually attacked Jeremy? Anyone who knows Jeremy Brigham knows him to be a humble, extremely nice, polite, Christian family man who is coaching this PJFL team because he loves kids and football, as his sons are too young to play on the team.
Haggerty, OTH, is only in it for his kid, as he could care less of anyone else.
Now, if Haggerty is now needing to wear a neck brace, it should be a simple matter to have Haggerty’s Doctor come forward and tell everyone how serious his injury was, when he prescribed the brace, and what the diagnosis was.
So where is the Doctor? Has anyone talked to him?
If the Doctor didn’t prescribe the neck brace, the Haggerty is just another ambulance chasing POS poliltician…
Neck braces? Give me a break. What kind of arcaic treatment did they get? (or did they just want to wear the braces for effect?) Neck braces are just not given anymore for soft-tissue conditions.
My son is on the Cowboy’s and witnessed exactly what happened and this story is inaccurate. My 12 year old has been reading these stories and is shocked by what is being written. Clearly this is one sided. The truth will come out… It isn’t mentioned that 3/4 of the team wrote letters to PJFL letting them know what a positive role model Jeremy has been on and off the field and wanted him to remain our coach. Yes, this situation got out of hand and no one condones this kind of behavior, from either coach. Yet, the way it was handled afterward by Jeremy showed TRUE CHARACTER. He is ALWAYS positive on the field coaching these boy’s, Scott on the other hand was extremely hard and negative and made every boy on that team miserable…including his own son! Scott’s son and his mother have been at every subsequent game to support the Cowboy’s.
I hope next time if a story of this nature comes out that people realize that it is not complete. And yes, this happened weeks ago!
You can buy a neck brace at Wallgreens, the classic one you think of, not the hard plastis ones that are lined with foam and came down to your shoulders. Sounds like he had the over the counter store bought one. The big dog is always the one that gets blaimed for the fight.
Cowboy mom – So what happened then? I got haggertys side, I got the it probably didn’t happen like that ‘cuz haggerty is a jerk and Jeremy is nice’ side. What is the truth of what happened during those few minutes?
Probably need more people to push Haggerty………….he’s a buffoon and Ahole and so many other expletive deletives. How do we have such jerks in public office. Nothing is too good for this piece of S–T.
Isnt’ everyone here missing the point that NEITHER of these bozos should be allowed to coach our children any more?! What happened to zero tolerance in our sports arenas? The PJFL is not a court of law so we aren’t talking “beyond a preponderance of the evidence” here. If these two misbehaved in front of our children, they should be out. Period. How can you parents say you “like him” so he should be allowed to influence your children even after such astonishing, immature, unacceptable behavior?! Kick them both out of ALL Pleasanton sports arenas, even as spectators, but especially as coaches!!!
Thank you for removing my post, so free speech is something we don’t believe in anymore either. Nice…………. Aholes at the pleasanton weekly too. May Haggerty get whats coming to him……..again and again.
It’s amazing that so many folks seem to be using this incident to slam the Raiders, slam youth sports organizations, slam politicians, etc. Particularly since the Police Report has not yet been made public. Let’s hold our water until more facts are known. Given that it’s taken the some 5 weeks to complete the Police report, it would seem that much more happened at the field than has been reported.
Offensive language you are kidding me. You guys are a bunch of Nazi’s, Communists, Stalinists you name it.
No assault charges yet? There must have been dozens of witnesses….makes you wonder what the holdup is………..
So, those of you with an axe to grind regarding Haggerty: Explain why it’s OK for a kid’s football coach (and mentor) to strike another person he disagrees with. Please defend your position and explain how Haggerty had this coming and should have been attacked physically.
Whether you deem someone to be totally ‘innocent’ or not is missing the point. Assault is a crime. Criminals belong in jail, not teaching our kids. Enough with the thug mentality…….