ECU Officials Respond To Allegations Of Police Brutality
ECU Officials Respond To Allegations Of Police Brutality Save Email Print
Posted: 5:38 PM Sep 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:47 AM Sep 8, 2008
 Reporter: Lynnette Taylor
207 comments
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There's an investigation tonight into what some are calling police brutality at the ECU -West Virginia game last night. The nationally televised game not only captured excited fans storming the field, but law enforcement grabbing, body-slamming and punching fans as they ran by.

Click Here to see the original story with video.

ECU's Chief of Police released the following statement, through ECU's Public Information Officer, John Durham.

East Carolina University officials are investigating complaints of unnecessary force exercised by law enforcement officers as thousands of people stormed the field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium Saturday to celebrate the Pirates’ win over West Virginia University.

ECU Police Chief Scott Shelton said university officers are interviewing witnesses and analyzing photos and videotapes. The complaints are varied and include assertions that officers punched a fan and threw another to the ground. Shelton said, “Preliminary investigation indicates excessive force was used in an incident of most concern by complainants.”

ECU police are assisted at home football games by officers from a number of jurisdictions, including the City of Greenville, Pitt County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Kinston, and Lenoir County. Shelton said he will meet Monday with Greenville Police Chief Bill Anderson to seek his assistance in the investigation.

Shelton said that at a briefing before the game, all officers were told that if ECU won the game and fans attempted to come onto the field, officers should try to deter them by making themselves visible.

But if that failed, he said, officers were instructed to step back and focus on making sure that those on the field stayed safe.

“Obviously, the safety of the students, fans and athletes at the game is our first concern,” Shelton said. “It is simply unacceptable that anyone at a game is the victim of excessive force.”

Shelton said he hopes to have at least a preliminary report on the complaints within a day or two.
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Posted by: Melvin on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Did anyone see CU storm the field? The difference I didn't see any cops beating students up
Posted by: Joe Location: Greenville on Sep 15, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Plain and simple, Imagine for a second that was your son getting slammed to the ground why everyone else ran by! They had a "reason" to bully a teenager and took full advantage of it. They should all be looking for another way to make their mortgage payment next month!
Posted by: skizzle Location: gvegas on Sep 13, 2008 at 09:54 AM
An official needs to resign. A cop or two needs to be fired. Pirates need to keep winning.....and we rush the field at the end of the season! Hug an officer at that point while chanting ECU! ECU! ECU!
Posted by: Talon Location: NC on Sep 11, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Joe don't confuse the department with the brass. The line officers are sick over this. I've heard that during the briefing instructions were given to detain the first ones over then fence to see if it would stop the rest. IF that's true, and it probably is, then Lenoir County was following orders. Normally Major Frank Knight gives the briefings and if he gave those instructions then he needs to step forward and clear this up. Anyway, just try to remember that it's not the line cops or even all the brass, it's just a few. Most of the cops there know that they will work alone the rest of the season. They just don't want their working relationship with the other agencies hurt.
Posted by: Joe Location: Greenville on Sep 11, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Everyone needs to be careful with their words and thoughts. I can tell you the ECU police dept is trying to cover their six. I am confident, things changed rapidly and maybe all decisions were not conveyed to everyone as needed. It is hard to win the game if you do not know the rules.
Posted by: EC10RET Location: NC on Sep 11, 2008 at 02:57 PM
To Brother In Blue: Last thing we need to do is start turning on each other now. I agree he could have chosen his words better, but I imagine he's trying to keep the Chancellor (who's apparently already decided the the cops are guilty of something) pacified and off the back of Lt. Hayes, who's trying to do a fair investigation. I can well imagine what the Chief is going through trying to keep ECU administrators from jumping the gun. This brings up the basic problem that the ECU Police Dept. has faced for several years and that is the CONSTANT interference and meddling that the ECU Admin inflicts on the PD management. You can't believe it if you haven't seen it. Internal politics at ECU are worse than any small town in NC. Here's a minor example: Guess who decides whether or not fans can storm the field? It's the Athletic Dept NOT the P.D. Guess when that decision is made for each game? TWO MINUTES before the game is over. Shelton's doing the best he can, I promise you.
Posted by: Brother in Blue on Sep 11, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I think everyone who is against the officers should get a chance to see how it is in a riot situation on the street! When you get put in a situation that you cant control, I promise you that you will change your mind! It's obvious that the Chief of ECU is coward, its a shame how he hung his fellow officers out to dry like he did! Instead of trying to disclaim his department of any wrong doing, he should've stressed how the fans were wrong for trespassing and resisting the officers!I think that the officers handled the situation well, and any normal person with police experience would agree. Good job thin blue!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 11, 2008 at 02:20 AM
I think that the SBI needs to look into incidents with the ECU police because this is just one incident that has happen with these officials. They are getting away with to much. Trust me I know because I have had a incident with them and I did make a complaint but nothing was done. In my opinion they were using to much force as what I seen on the video, I understand that they are doing their job but they also need to handle it professionally not like gansters in the streets.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:12 PM
To T, I'd have to say that around 99.9% of the football games I have seen in person and on TV did NOT end up with fans rushing the field. It's NOT common practice, unless the teams are not used to winning and the fans just go nuts when the unthinkable happens. ECU is NOT a losing team. The fans rushing the field demeaned and insulted the ECU football team and coaching staff. Yes, the team was considered an underdog, but of all people the fans should have had faith in the players and not acted like it was a miracle that they won. It showed NO class and it was THE cause of all this controversy. Those same cops have worked many games with no problems. The fools that rushed the field precipitated this incident, not the cops. The deputies reacted as best they could and were put in a no win situation.
Posted by: amazed Location: enc on Sep 10, 2008 at 08:23 PM
I must say that I watched the game and saw the interview by an espn reporter of Coach Holtz on the field and I couldn't believe what I saw. I saw a college aged person push a NC HWY Patrol officer there to protect the coach. The officer was pushed/shoved several times and I couldn't believe how disrespectful that was. I would have easily considered it assault of an officer! And that was live right after the game. Its really shameful that people can't behave like people. This is pathetic and makes ECU look bad.
Posted by: John Location: Charlotte on Sep 10, 2008 at 05:36 PM
If the police believe this was necessary, we need to await the investigation. Obviously, years of this type of behavior at ECU has occurred so if the officers are guilty, they really need to look at what were they thinking. I believe the University's statement regarding police presence, but believe at the same time any person who has knowledge of games of this stature would realize the ultimate possibility of fans on the field. I think it is just bad judgement of individual officers and not a department.
Posted by: T Location: Washingotn on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Question to the police. How many football and basketball games have you ever seen on TV or been to that the feild was not rushed? Minimal at best. What in the world were they thinking to even try to stop it. This is normal excited behavior especially when ECU is doing so well. Are the police trying to put a damper on their stride? I pray they keep their heads up and a good thing going strong. GO PIRATES!!!!!!!
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:28 PM
I like the National Guard option with the fixed bayonets. :)
Posted by: Bucky Location: Greenville NC on Sep 10, 2008 at 10:39 AM
It is apparent to me that it is not the individual officer who is at fault here. The higher ups gave instructions not to let the students rush the field. Obviously, a handful of Po-lice can not hold back waves of humanity. Either let them run wild (probably best) or request 500 National Guard Troopers with fixed bayonets. Also, I enjoyed Talon's comments about Ballard dancing to the tune of his Pirate Club Masters.
Posted by: been there done that Location: over there on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:34 AM
ECU should be fined by the NCAA and CUSA, for every student who went on the field, it is against NCAA rules for students to be on the field while athleats and officals are still on the field. also to the ones who say the students did nothing wrong, it is trespassing to enter the field and it is resisting arrest when you struggle with officers who are attempting to arrest you for trespassing. to answer the question of the people who say how did the officers pick out thee ones arrested they got the ones closest to the, also to the ones who say why didn't they get them all, have you ever been fishing? well you can't catch them all, you just be happy with the ones you do catch.
Posted by: Megan Location: Greenville, NC on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:41 PM
What the police did was unacceptable, such force should not be used when fans are just excited about winning a game and showing support for their team. The Chief of Police stated that police officers were instructed to just ensure everyone stayed safe. The police sure were doing the opposite by throwing/beating fans. It's ridiculous.
Posted by: Good Location: Greenville, NC on Sep 9, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Finally some of your comments make sense. Like "were you there", "do you know", and best of all, "you are not telling the truth". The facts will come out. Everyone needs to stop speculating. Anyone that went on that field that was not suppose to be there by the very nature of the game, or paid, should not have been there. Who had the responsibility to keep the football players from WVa from being attacked? or ECU students, from being trampled over and seriously hurt? I am a Pirate, a fan, a father, and a Police Officer. And you have condemned me without even knowing me. I was not at the game. But, face the things most will not daily. My judgement will come soon enough. Call me if you need me. I will be there. Can you say the same.
Posted by: Arrrgh Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 07:38 PM
if you had someone holding you down and beating you for no apparent reason, wouldn't you struggle? Uh, more than likely you would, at least a little. Plus, from what I have read and seen on videos, the fan didn't appear to be struggling to justify this type of abuse. Everyone that thinks that the fans deserve this for rusing the field make me sick. No law was broken and the actions did not warrant the beatings and attacks by the officers. This WAS a joyful and peaceful demonstration that was interrupted by some overzealous cops on a power trip. I do not support running on the field, but that in no way deserves the abuse that was given by a few officers. Freakin unreal that Americans are trying to pass the blame onto the fans. You are prob. the same ones that will try to elect NOBAMA for president. Unbelievable!
Posted by: Will Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:36 PM
FAN....you are not telling the truth about the student who was punched in the head multiple times. He was not stuggling against the cops, that is what cops say to try and justify their actions.
Posted by: Talon Location: NC on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:29 PM
I saw on the Daily Reflector site where Chancellor Ballard said this was the most shocking thing he's seen at ECU. Oh really? More shocking than the girl who was choked in her dorm? More shocking than the student who was almost kicked to death downtown last year? More shocking than the students who have been beaten and robbed and in some cases shot near the campus? He also said that the officers would be punished. Guess he's made up his mind that they are guilty of something. So much for an impartial investigation by ECU. Really though, you can't blame Ballard, he's just dancing like a monkey on the strings controlled by his puppet masters in the Pirate Club. To all officers, boycot the rest of the home games. Let Ballard handle the crowds.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: eastern nc on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:29 PM
first of all congrats ECU, i was not there but from seeing many other games and concerts 90% of the people are intoxicated and can not live without a beer in their hands..so that comes along the bad behavior,foul mouth and lack of respect. and following the rules is out of the question! many of you have never dealt with a drunk, college kid. most of the time there is no reasoning with them. so multiply this times several thousand and see what you have. so instead of sitting back complaining about police,and you are sure you can make a difference sign up,get the training and work the streets,games etc... your bleeding hearts would not last a week when see how the public really acts.
Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Piratefanforlife, well said. It's a game, we won, enjoy the victory and celebrate. Now a couple of kids that were just trying to have some fun are all beat up, the Kinston Police will never a million years admit to fault, or do any thing about it. A couple of kids (and their parents) will have a very different memory or ECU Football and the big win over WV. Lucky that none of those kids have parents on the board of trustees here at ECU.
Posted by: piratefanforlife Location: Greenville, NC on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Are you people serious? There is no reason that police should be allowed to beat excited fans for defeating the No. 8 team in the nation. Why would anyone defend that? If the students were doing something illegal or trying to hurt the players that would be understandable, but honestly what did a handful of officers think they would do against over a 1,000 students? It was not fair to pick and choose a few students to handcuff and then unnecessarily punch when so many other pirate fans were celebrating. There was one student who was already handcuffed and not resisting and the police continued to punch him in the face and upper body. I think we need the prescence of police at the games, but let the students have some fun. The entire incident was ridiculous and instead of highlighting that we are now #14 in the nation, we are all over the news for police brutality. I don't think that the police should be able to hide behind their badges to justify what they did.
Posted by: Ryan Location: North Carolina on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Everyone is missing the true point here. Rushing the field not a horrible thing to do. Officers doing what they need to do to take someone into custody that is resisting, Not wrong to do. The fans who ran into officers which constitutes as an assault, Wrong no matter what excuses you try to use.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:53 PM
The problem was when students were running into officers while storming the field. Thats assault on a govt official no matter how you look at it. The students that ran into officers should of used better judgement.
Posted by: Will Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Farm1...Were you at the game? How can you attest that every single student, or even every person stopped by the police for that matter, were drunk? Can you even attest that they were all students?.....Yeah, thats what I thought. You should really consider thinking your stereotyical comments to yourself, perhaps some sort of brain-mouth filter would be in order?
Posted by: Fan on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:37 PM
The student that was punched had three officers trying to hold him down with limited success. He was struggling with them. We can't see exactly what he was doing when another officer came up and punched him, because ESPN obscures the student. Obviously he was resisting arrest. He was caught on tape for 11 or 12 seconds resisting the officers before WITN switched off the camera. The officer that joined and punched probably did so to assist the other three to subdue and then handcuff the student. The student may have been high or drunk. The student was not bodyslammed. If you watch wrestling on TV, body slams begin at shoulder high. The officer held the student hip high. It may look bad, but it is a common high school wrestling hold that rarely ends in injury.
Posted by: Jeremy Location: Pink Hill on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I feel like if the officers could have not stopped everyone, then they should have not stopped anyone, unless they saw a potential reason to do so, like someone causing harm, someone streaking, or a person with a weapon, common sense things. They were all just happy, proud and excited for the win. WHOO...GO ECU!!!
Posted by: Jon Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Hey Richard: Take your money and your kids and send it/them to another Univ. or are they not smart enough to go to another school?!?!? Durham sure is real safe?!?!? yeah right!
Posted by: Will Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:05 PM
To all of the people who are saying the students were wrong, and deserved what they got: What on earth is wrong with you? No one is saying it wasnt against the law to rush the field, but its NOT OK for police to brutally beat people who are NO THREAT to them or anyone else, regardless of the circumstances. How about next time you are stopped for speeding you are pulled out of your car and savagely beaten...then how would you feel about this situation?
Posted by: Will Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:01 PM
In resonse to SBK...Its obvious that you are a terribly backward individual. The generational gap between yourself and the students (or anyone under 80 for that matter) is obvious, and in fairness to you, probably distorts your opinion. However, the only people guilty of poor parenting were the parents of the LEOs who assaulted these individuals, and your own. Perhaps the parents of these LEOs should have raised their kids not to be bullies, and perhaps yours should have raised you to not make absurd comments on a public forum.
Posted by: farm1 Location: williamston on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I think law enforcement was justified. They were having to deal with a bunch of drunks that could not follow orders. They should have arrested them.
Posted by: Richard Location: Durham, NC on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:59 AM
My money and my kids go to ECU. My wife and I went to ECU and the actions of the police in Greenville haven't changed since 1966. ECU is like a "POLICE STATE" where the police focus on beating the students and not doing anything about crime in the araa. ECU has changed into a very modern university with a lot of things going in the right direction. Maybe it's time for ECU to change it's police too. The focus should be on crime and not someone trying to enjoy the moment. We the parents pay for this and ours kids should not be exposed to the brutality and over aggression of the police. The news reports the "allegations" of brutality. Believe me, I was there and these are allegations. These are facts. Next time, the police should focus on crime and let the ECU fans enjoy the game in a free and open society. No one should fear coming to a game to be brutilized by the police.
Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Maybe we should just provide the beat down when fans buy tickets. That way we could get them all and save the trouble of the game. I'm alarmed at the behavior of the LEOs at this game. My children and my money go to ECU, maybe it's time to reconsider how things are done at ECU. Enough about irresponsible "kids". These are fans and they provide the financial lifeblood of the ECU/Greenville community. How about a little respect.
Posted by: WILLIE Location: HAVELOCK on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:23 AM
My daughter is a senior at ECU and was at the game. The "kids" were wrong by storming the field, but the action taken by "professional" law enforcement personnel was a much bigger "disgrace".
Posted by: bobcat Location: greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Instead of picking out a few and making an example out of them, what they should have done is block every exit on the field, and once all the hoopla was over, they should have set up stations at all the exits and cited every single person who came on the field. No one gets hurt and the revenue would be great.
Posted by: DK Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:02 AM
ECU KNEW that the field would be rushed and that it would be inevitable. They have to say "dont rush the field" just to cover their butts in case someone got hurt so they dont get sued. The only people up here defending the cops are really cops. Not normal citizens like they claim to be. You know how cops stick together no matter who was in the wrong. To the people that keep saying that the people shouldnt have rushed the field, blah blah blah, thats not what's at question here. Police brutality is. And its clear thats what happened no matter how hard you try to twist the facts.
Posted by: Travis Nance Location: Greenville, ECU on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Im a freshman here at ECU. Following the Very Exciting win over #8 ranked west virgina. A lot of the students decided to rush the field. Rushing the field was suppose to celebrate but ended up for some as a rather bad expierence for the 1st home game of the year. Thats just to put it in a nice way.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:08 PM
To Disgusted and SBK; Well said! At least there are a few voices of reason in this pile of excrement.
Posted by: JG Location: Michigan on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:55 PM
I was not at the game, but my younger brother was. He is a Captain in the United States Air Force. He only gets to maybe one game a year or so. He said witnessing the actions of the police at this game completly ruined the joy of the victory.
Posted by: yep Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:55 PM
SKB you are so right lol.... i was at the game in that crowd and believe me agency that helped with the game Are Writing thier reports of what realy was said in that breifing the chief held,,, or was he even in the meeting hmmmmmmmmmmmm. agency that were involved well not be working another game im sure, good luck ECU next time have your officers out their and not set up other agencys for failure.
Posted by: TANSY IN ONE PIECE Location: PLYMOUTH on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:46 PM
WE WANT THE POLICE TO HELP US'BUT YET STILL WE COMPLAIN. THEY WANT TO GO HOME TOO!!THEY WANT TO GO HOME IN ONE PIECE! IT'S TOUGH OUT HERE' MOST DON'T GIVE COPS ENOUGH RESPECT' ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG. SO SOMETIMES THEY HAVE TO USE FORCE. SOME COPS ARE CROOKED' BUT SOME ARE GOOD AND LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER DAY!!
Posted by: Pirate Fan Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:39 PM
The majority of people on here are blaming the Police for the problems after Saturday Afternoon’s Game. Maybe they were, I don’t have all the facts so I will wait until I do to place blame on the Police. If any are guilty they should and will be punished. The one thing that is certain from the tapes is that hundreds of people violated the law when they rushed the field. Justice in this case is a two way street. While the police are being investigated the persons that rushed the field should also be identified. There are hundreds of photographs so quite a few of them could be identified. When they are they should as well as the police who acted improperly be disciplined. They could just as easily be charged with trespassing as the police can be with excessive force. It appears to me that there is more than enough blame to go around for this incident. The incident should be viewed as learning experience and laid to rest. The excitement and attention of this past weekend should be on the exciting win by the Pirate Football Team and nothing else.
Posted by: poor parenting? on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:37 PM
you cannot say this was poor parenting.. the students and the others possibly alumni,possible staff, possible pirate clubbers... were not even doing anything wrong,so how can you say they had poor parents. Have you ever looked after a big Carolina win on Franklin St and seen people burning freaking trash cans and CARS for that matter? I think rushing a field after a huge win for ECU is not a big deal and you people supporting the police need to stop. the police used excessive measures... 3 cops on top of 130 pound man is excessive, beating 20 year olds is excessive, body slamming people - excessive, night stick beatings over rushing a freaking football field- excessive. GET A LIFE people I know your kids must be perfect little angels...but i cannot wait for them to act human one day and show you how people really act.
Posted by: Leigh Location: Martin County on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:35 PM
To:Craig Location: G-Vegas on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:15 PM...I agree with you whole-heartedly!!!!! I guess the only thing is that we are able to resolve our own issues without resulting to DISCRIMINATION!!!
Posted by: SBK Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:19 PM
After reading all the comments from the parents whining about this incident, I can understand why the kids rushed the field. Poor parenting. Teach your kids to obey the law and respect the rules, don't excuse their behavior when they don't. A lot of the parents commenting here are the root of the problem. They are self absorbed baby boomers and they are raising their kids to be even worse. Three punches and putting someone on the ground is NOT brutality. Just ask Rodney King what REAL police brutality is. Another thing, this "child" who was "brutalized" was a 27 year old man. Not a student at ECU. The parents here were spoiled rotten by their parents and they are doing the same thing to their kids. I agree that most of these comments are coming from upper middle class soccer moms and dads. I also agree with the commenter that said, "let the cops take the day off next game". Oh man, I wish that would happen. Maybe the assisting agencies will boycott. Love to see that.
Posted by: VR Location: NewBern on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:06 PM
It seems like people who are normally calm, well educated, intelligent folks turn into IDIOTS at sporting events.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Do I understand that most of you ECU people would like to have the police removed? Oh, they were so mean, we could not run on the field, thay hurt us, whine. whine. 5$ fee for whining.
Posted by: JP on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:48 PM
What is the State of North Carolina and the SBI waiting for? ECU is a State University! It's bad enough we have allegations of police misconduct and possible criminal wrongdoing that occurred on state property. It's even worse that that no one in Raleigh is looking to protect our college students and order the SBI to be the lead agency in this investigation.
Posted by: DON SHERROD Location: WILSON .NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:09 PM
ASK CUTIS MAYFIELD WAS SINGING LET.S DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! GO ECU !!!!!!
Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I was right behind the kids who jumped over the fence first, from were i was standing i saw cops charging at the kids, and one cop tackle a kid that wasnt looking, when i ran out on the field there were kids in handcuffs everywhere. It did seem a little bit excessive to say the least.
Posted by: Lori Johnson Location: Sanford , NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:50 PM
I was at the game and saw children who were only celebrating thrown to the ground and beaten. It was ridculous. I have two students who attend ECU and I was outraged. The officials knew that the kids were likely to storm the field. If they were not expecting it they would not have lowered the goals. That was almost as good as telling the children to go for it. If it had of been my child who had been beaten by an officer it would not be good for them and would result in a law suit.
Posted by: Larry Location: Raleigh on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:43 PM
I have always thought there were too many cops at the game anyway. I get all up tight and nervous being around them. I cant enjoy myself and have fun with so many of them around.
Posted by: OPEN YOUR EYES Location: dowdy ficklen on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:35 PM
people, you are not getting it... whether they were disobeying, or not, the police handled the situation horribly. I bet half of you supporting those police weren't even there. police brutality. period. and again, VBush, I was raised great, I have the best parents in the world, but if I could have been down the stadium in time to get out there, I would have. I told my mother this, and she of course fussed... You can't judge parents by the way their children act and I can't wait for your children to mess up. These students weren't even messing up though. They were celebrating a victory. The police saw it coming. When that huge crowd showed up at the fence, they should have just backed away and watched to make sure everything was ok. if someone was getting hurt, or if they saw a situation coming, that's when they could step in. People rush football fields ALL the time. and for the record.. NOT ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE DRUNK AT GAMES. STOP JUDGING. at least we're getting an education
Posted by: LW Location: greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:29 PM
I've lived in Greenville for over 48 yrs, attended ECU and have had the privilege of watching ECU Football come back to life. We are proud of our university, the staff and the students. Watching the games on ESPN has given us two Saturdays of sheer excitement, only to have it ruined by what I have seen too many times in this town, police brutality. It's a disgrace and for anyone to say that these officers were not in the wrong is even worse. I have lost a son and proud of my other who attends a community college in hopes of transferring to ECU. I hope with all my heart, that the parents of those kids seek justice for the sake of every parent who wants to protect their children from such excessive punishment for just doing what we have always done, celebrate the victory of the ECU Pirates!
Posted by: Pat Location: Winterville on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:28 PM
There was an announcement that no one was allowed on the field after the game. Period! Why do some students/fans ignore this directive. This show disrespect for the effort put forward by the team. If these persons get knocked around so be it. Stay in the stands and act like you have some sense. These are the students that are there for the parties and I hope their parents have alot of money. because these kids are so imature that they should not be in college. The police.sheriff were only doing their job. If you don't listen to the rules, take the consequenes. GROW UP!!!!!!
Posted by: Glenn Location: Rocky Mount on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Perhaps the peace keepers were more hopped-up than the fans. Once you see you have no control of the whole, why single out a few? No excuse! Was this an example of keeping people safe?
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Should I have been a policeman at this game I would have backed up to the nearest wall and stayed there. That is really what the ECU officals wanted.
Posted by: Herbert Location: Gardner on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:13 PM
I, too, am a very conservative individual, but the police were way over the line after the ECU/WVA game. This is America, not Russia or some other citizen oppressive society. All law offenders, including the police, must be dealt with quickly and openly. What a sad commentary on our law enforcement people which are by and far a very good group. Heck, my best friend is a Greenville detective. Those students deserve an apology.
Posted by: disgusted Location: greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:52 PM
after reading some of these comments, I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm an alum of ECU. Follow the rules, bad things don't happen. Funny, my children know this rule--why don't all those students? And David, that is a great idea--lock the stadium down and start issuing citations. Riot gear isn't a bad idea either. I still think we should remove all the police from the field, let the morons have at it and then when the hypocrites start whining "where were the cops that were supposed to keep me safe?" we can all say, "hey, we gave those guys the day off so you could disobey the rules." What a bunch of hypocrites--if you think you can do it better, go get a job with a police department, I'm sure they're hiring.
Posted by: Dr. Unk's Oasis Location: G'Vegas on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:55 PM
I have a solution: ECU forfit the game!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: New Bern on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:45 PM
I think we should issue guns and knives to all of the people at the games fence it off and stand back.
Posted by: Concerned Alumni Location: Greenville, NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:45 PM
I am a faithful Pirate, but I would rather ECU loose every game than witness one student physically and emotionally injured while celebrating our great school!
Posted by: ECU Fan Location: Gville on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:33 PM
I was at the game and I agree that the force used was uncalled for. There was no reason to beat those students the way they did. Yes the kids were told please dont rush the field but when you get caught up in the excitement things happen. Not one thing was done to hurt another student, any staff or any property. Also, being at the game I could see when the law enforcement started lining up at the end of the field and directing everyone off, they went willingly. I never saw one student try to attack or disobey an officer who was moving the crowd off the field. So that goes to show they were not trying to disrespect the officers. These lawmen went over board with their force. ECU should be glad that they have such loyal fans!
Posted by: CanWeLive Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:32 PM
i pitty her kids
Posted by: CanWeLive Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:26 PM
i think the officers should be held accountable for their actions. But its not their fault. "you get what you pay for"
Posted by: David Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:25 PM
In my opinion the police should have used this oportunity to make money for the college instesd of excessive force being used. Everyone was told not to rush the field. There apparenttly were not enough officers to control the crowd. So why not just treat them the same as speeding. Let them on, lock the gates and guard the fences and guardrails. Then let them out one by one and give each one a citation for a specied amount and attach the citation to thier college transcript or drivers liscense. Therefore no excessive force.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:20 PM
CanWeLive; You are another individual that makes a good argument FOR the pro-choice movement.
Posted by: Witness Location: ECU on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Bet you didn't know that the innocent college kids were threatening the police verbally before they took the field
Posted by: CanWeLive Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:09 PM
VBush you have no sense of reality! This has nothing to do with the way these kids were raised, but everything to do with unqualified cops acting as irrational as your opinions.

POST EDITED
Posted by: DK Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:51 PM
I think the cops are mad because their presence was supposed prevent the people from rushing the field. Well their presence didnt work and they felt disrespected. And just because you are a cop does not mean that you are entitled to respect. Just because you are a cop does not mean that you cant be an idiot.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I have a suggestion for all the agencies responsible for crowd control at ECU. Put about 10 officers on horseback. Put 5 in each end zone behind the goal posts. Put 10 more officers on the ground at each end in riot gear. That should let everyone know you mean business, and maybe they will think twice before ignoring instructions not to rush the field. Morons only understand one thing....BRUTE FORCE. They do not have the mental capacity to follow instructions.
Posted by: ~It will be Televised~ on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:03 PM
what football game have you went to that when you team wins the fans don't rush the field. I see it every game, every Sunday. I guess we are suppose to just clap and sip tea like we are from England and look at the other person and say "very good game old chap", is that really what the cops thought. They thought wrong. They thought the badge gave them special powers, but the people and the tapes pulled that "S" off their chest. It wasn't all of them, but it was enough. And when I call them they better come to my house-BETTER. I don't have to agree with them so that when I call they will show up. Some things you know are going to happen, who didn't see this coming? Who didn't know when ECU won that the field was going to be rushed? When the police beats your kid with a closed fist its called restoring order, if I do it, its called child abuse.
Posted by: MD Location: Washington on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Maybe some of you college punks should put on desert fatigues and go fight the real enemy. I could care less about the poor little boy who got the snot kicked out of him. Call your mommy and daddy, as I am sure they will send money.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Mr. Mackey, My kids are taught to follow the rules and respect authority. They will not be caught up in such irresponsible behavior. If these so called 'kids' were raised that way, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
Posted by: Jody Location: Kinston on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:50 PM
We are only seeing parts of this video. In the beginning the deputy was rushed by a fan knocking him off balance and did nothing to that fan. If it were a anger issue, I would think he would have punched that kid, instead he got back on balance and stood there. You then see him running to the aid of another officer then there's a break and you see him punching. How do we know that kid didn't bite him or spit in his face? I know we think that law enforcement should have better control of their reactions, but I tell you we are all human and if someone were to spit in my face or bite me, I would punch them. We all would if we would be honest with ourselves. Judging this by this video is like taking parts of a sentence and making out of it what you want it to be. If we don't have the full video and both sides of the story, we shouldn't judge.
Posted by: TP Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Wearing a badge doesn't give you free reign to commit violence. This isn't Iraq, this is America. Being a police officer is a honor as well as an awesome responsiblity. You are under the microscope every time you slap on the badge. Comes with the job. You are looked upon to set the example. The bad decisions of a handful of over stimulated officers eager to ignore the ECU dictated protocol & bust head indiscriminantly ... unfortunately gives a bad name to all the good cops out there.
Posted by: Craig Location: G-Vegas on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:15 PM
The main problem with the video is that the student was white. If this had been a black student, the NAACP would be screaming, every major television affiliate would be playing it on air every 15mins, and Jesse Jackson would be staying in the Greenville Hilton tonight. Because this is a young white boy, it is passed off as him being a drunk or one of the terrible sutdents that attend ECU. The force on the video is way over the top for the crime committed. I don't know that it wouldn't be better if they had pulled their clubs and busted every fan that came by in the knee. I think that the students were out of line for not following clear instructions, but the penalty should not be what happened on the national news. Maybe the video could be used to suspend the students that ran on to the field. In short, fire those public servants that felt it necessary to beat the crap out of those little kids and suspend the kids that ran onto the field.
Posted by: ECU ALUM Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Police should not have used force unless they were in danger themselves or protecting a student from another student. There is no physical way to stop the field from being charged. However, there is a way to man all the exit points and issue citations after the celebration is over. Try that for the next game.
Posted by: Mr. Mackey Location: Choco on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:40 PM
VBush I hope when your unarmed kid is excited about something a cop grabs him, throws him to the ground and pummels him.
Posted by: LaWdAwGCAT Location: Gboro on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:32 PM
VBUSH is now officially my hero! Thing is, I'm a cop and know all too well that if somebodys child had been trampled due to the gross negligance of the rules that were clearly given at the game, then there would be an even bigger uproar about that! It would have been " Where were the cops? What were they even there for?? Why did they just stand there?" and so on and so forth. Some of you people that seem to act like you know our job better than we do need to spend a day on the streets with people just like yourselves. There is no way to keep everybody happy and no matter what happens, somebody is going to say it was too much or too little. Maybe LC deputies should've stood back. Maybe they were wrong. It's not for us to decide and sitting here and watching a vid clip on the pc and trying to make a determination from that is a lot easier than being there in real life and having to make a decision right then.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:17 PM
For all of you supporting the people charging the field and bad mouthing the police, I hope you all call for help one day and no one shows up. You are all ridiculous!
Posted by: Petey Location: Greenville,NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Greenville police using excessive force? That's a tune I haven't heard before. Not only during the post game celebration, but around the campus streets police where being quite excessive with their "power". It's as though they have an inferiority complex or a need to display bravado because they have a piece of tin on their lapel. However, by the same token there are really good officers in and around the city of Greenville that are intelligent enough to quell an escalating situation with words rather than force. It's the neanderthals that give good police a black eye. That boy that was thrown down looked like he may have weighed 130 pounds soken wet, did it really take 3-4 officers to subdue this "out of control" student? I wish those same officers would harness that aggression and use it towards campus security so that events like the one at Fleming Hall the other week would never have the opportunity to take place.
Posted by: Eyewitness Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Can you say Rodney King!
Posted by: Hal Location: Pitt Co. on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:48 AM
"making sure that those on the field stayed safe" if the kids rushed the field? How should the handful of officers ensure that thousands of intoxicated kids stay safe while they are rushing the field? How is that a realistic order for these officers to follow? I am not saying what the officers did was wrong or right, because I have trouble judging from a 4 second video clip. I do think that if that is all the instructions these officers received on how the university wanted the crowd handled, then the university dropped the ball. Maybe there should have been a designated meeting point for the officers to go should the fans storm the field. Obviously a few officers would have no effect on thousands of rushing fans, so why leave them out there? Very poor planning on the part of the university.
Posted by: Me Too Location: Opposite End on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Me, please keep in mind that the question is not whether the students were wrong, drunk, obnoxious, or just plain evil. Whether you agree with what the students did or not, the question is did the law enforcement personel use excessive force. The answer is clearly YES. An officer of the law is only permitting to use force when he/she is under immediate threat of physical danger. No officer in any of the videos of the brutality was in danger. Further, those officers involved disobeyed orders as has been confirmed by Chief Scott Shelton in the above article. To quote Chief Shelton, "all officers were told that if ECU won the game and fans attempted to come onto the field, officers should try to deter them by making themselves visible. But if that failed, he said, officers were instructed to step back and focus on making sure that those on the field stayed safe." I don't think slamming and punching the students (whether they are right or wrong in your opinion) is keeping them safe.
Posted by: Bob Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:45 AM
How DARE we give such media attention to the people who were doing the WRONG thing! If they would have done what they were suppose to do nothing would have happened to them. They were doing something illegal. The police - who were dealing with an mob situation - did what they had to do to control the situation. Do the right thing. Everything is ok. Do the wrong thing. Expect bad results. I'm Outraged that it's the police who are being called the bad guys in this. It was the college kids storming the field who were wrong.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:40 AM
ECU Mom; If they had 'stepped back' and lets say a few people were trampled, injured, or even killed, then you would all be screaming that the police just stood by and let it happen. There is no satisfying you people. If your kid was in that crowd and died from being trampled, you would still be complaining that the police did nothing.
Posted by: Me Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I've watched the film numerous times on You Tube and the police did the right thing! GOOD JOB LAW ENFORCEMENT!! That will teach these drunk obnoxious students to mess with the law again!
Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:32 AM
The video is conclusive. One officer using a closed fist was either a sheriffs deputy from some county (certainly not Pitt according to MM) or a UPS man. To many Rambo Fifes out there raging on testoserone.
Posted by: police Location: greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:32 AM
everyone quick to judge, has anyone checked on the condition of the female student who hurt her foot coming over the wall and getting trampled? yea, it was the cops that took her to safety. glad all are concerned about her.... give the whole story or find something else to whine about. better yet, try walking in our shoes for a shift or game.
Posted by: Tina Location: Chocowinity on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Another case of "POLICE BRUTALITY". Dang! it's wonder if a riot didn't start after seeing what the cop did to that poor fan! No wonder police cars have cameras on them! ! Good Grief! SHAME ON YOU PITT COUNTY POLICE!

Editor: We'll have more on this story later today but it does not look like any Pitt County deparatments were directly involved.

Posted by: The Po-Po Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:07 AM
You people are ridiculous! Try being a monday morning quaterback in someone elses yard.
Posted by: Duh Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:06 AM
If you were there or watched the video, you would know that several police agencies work at the ECU game. As usual, you point fingers and accuse and don't know what you are talking about. Love how everyone just assumes it was Greenville PD and NC Highway Patrol officers that were involved.
Posted by: ECU Mom Location: Washington on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:59 AM
To VBush, the police should have done what their superiors told them to do, "Step Back!" You aren't thinking!!
Posted by: Conservative Location: Middle of Dowdy Finklin Next Game on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I am not liberal, I am VERY conservative on most issues and always support upholding the law. However, the police on Saturday were way out of line period. No matter if you say they "were just doing ther job", a law enforcement official is never to use force unless they are having to protect themselves from threat. There was ZERO threat to any officers from anyone running on the field. They simply wanted to get to the middle of the field and celebrate. And speaking of celebration, why is there such a big deal at ECU about running on the field. I have been to games at ACC, SEC, and Big East stadiums (way bigger than Dowdy Finklin and with more students) and they have no problem with fans coming onto the field after games. Lighten up Terry and all of the ECU administration. You want people to love your team and be fanatical and loyal, then let them go on the field.
Posted by: Glenn Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I think the ECU police acted beyond the call of duty. If they saw over a 1000 fans runing towards the field they should have worried about who was on the field instead of attacking several fans. It is wrong that the police have the power they do because there is just too many of them out there that abuse there power as a law offical. The fans should sue ECU over this and they should be awarded for police brutality. Thank you for letting me share.

POST EDITED
Posted by: JP on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:39 AM
As the old addage goes, pictures and video's are worth 1,000 words and this will determine whether the COPS followed the orders given by their superiors or used this incident as a license to use excessive force on college students. While even Cops are entitled to the benefit of a fair trial, being there are multiple law enforcement agencies involved this should be investigated by the SBI. As for Terry Holland's remarks "The Pirate Nation Suffered a Black Eye", Terry get a clue! Students have stormed onto the field after a big win and it happens at every school. At other schools after a big win, goal posts have come down and the field sustained major damage. Tell the world if this happened Terry. As a high level college administrator it is dishearting to see in your press release you did not choose your verbage more carefully. Perhaps every English Comp 1 Professor should hand out an assignment to their students to draft a press release on this and see what they come up with.
Posted by: rack Location: gville on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:08 AM
I would have followed orders... read above "But if that failed, he said, officers were instructed to step back and focus on making sure that those on the field stayed safe." Hip tossing a student and pummeling another in the back of the head isn't ensuring the safety of anyone.
Posted by: Reality Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:03 AM
To Jeffrey posted 09/07/08 at 8:07 PM. You were working the sideline and let your child "slip" through the fence? You should be fired and banned from ever attending another game. You used your position to allow your 14 year old to break the law. ECUPD needs to investigate and identify YOU and charge you with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Great example dad.
Posted by: Jason Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I have a solution do what was told to the officers and allow the students to rush the field and protect those that are on the field! oh yeah and treat someone the way you would want to be treated!
Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:50 AM
In this day in age where the so-called "police" are used to crush resistance and quell dessent such as in the case of the coronation of McBush and the Bimbo in St. Paul last week, this is not suprising. If that is not all out police brutality and excessive force on that video, than what is it? I dosen't matter what some right wing, flag waving, redneck police fanatics think, there is a line between maintaining order and flat out brutality. A sad day for Greenville and ECU. I hope and pray the students get a couple of pit bull attorneys because the Greenville PD and ECU have it coming.
Posted by: claira on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:44 AM
how is punching and kicking fans to the ground keeping them safe?
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I am not a cop, and I wasn't there, but I am still waiting for one of you screaming "police brutality!" to give your take on how you think they should handle that situation. HOW WOULD YOU HAVE DONE IT BETTER?....I'll bet not one of you has a viable solution. Still waiting.....
Posted by: Jon Location: Grimesland on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:22 AM
That boy got beat down for celebrating a team victory. It isn't Europe, where fans set fires or really riot, it was a student body celebrating peacefully over the biggest win in their school's history. The cop wasn't hit first, in fact as far as I could tell no police where being attacked. Why would they be? Students avoid cops whenever possible. It was just kids celebrating, and the local yokels acted like they were robbing and raping. The worst thing that could happen? The goal posts come down. As much tuition as students pay, they can be considered a great sacrifice in an exciting victory.
Posted by: Chip Location: NOVA on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:58 AM
That was a great game to watch~! Now the bad news. Fact is there was Police Brutality~! A few of our finest went way overboard~! There needs to be a full investigation, resulting in severe penalties for the officers that crossed the line. Agreed it's a tough job, but if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. What I saw reminded me of the 60's. I couldn't believe it. Students, don't settle for anything less than the truth~!
Posted by: Tom on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:56 AM
You cops posting 15 times each does not change what happened
Posted by: Sober Pirate... on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:41 AM
I love how everyone keeps mentioning the drunk college student stuff... Not everyone there was drunk, and not everyone who rushed the field was drunk. Everyone who says this kind of stuff is very stereotypical. If you were one of those people celebrating a WONDERFUl victory, then I think you would be thinking twice about all of this. It was police brutatlity, no matter what anyone says, the police beat the pure daylight out of some those kids and that's just the end of it. There's cases of true criminals sueing for police brutality and getting the case, and these kids were just celebrating with their favorite team who just beat a top ten nationally ranked team. Come on guys. The cops did NOT listen to their orders of, Just stand back and make sure nothing happens if you cannot control the situation. Nope.. they had a power trip, as usual.
Posted by: Scott Location: New Bern on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:38 AM
To Sad - How Dare You. Were you there?? Do you know for a fact that the affected "drunk, idiotic college students" were in fact what you accuse them of?? You're are wrong in saying "one of the most annoying things in the world is a DRUNK COLLEGE STUDENT..." The most annoying thing in the world is people like you - passing judgment on people when you don't know the FACTS!!!!!!
Posted by: JANET Location: GREENVILLE on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:07 AM
i think all police should go for mental anger testing once a year. it seems every time theres a large game/ the law goes nuts with that big S ON THERE CHEST AND MAYBE ECU SHOULD HIRE A PRIVATE COMPANY FOR THESE GAMES
Posted by: sad on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:05 AM
I am sad at how liberal most of you are being. My brother is a law enforcement officer (not a city cop or sheriff), but I pray that he is never hurt - he is put in MANY dangerous situations... including our downtown area where a bunch of drunk, idiotic college students "celebrate." I am one of those previous "drunk, idiotic college students" and I have grown up enough to know that now those things I did during/before ECU football games was stupid. I now know that "raiding" a field is dangerous ... especially for those females who are running on the field, fall because they are drunk and get hurt (trampled). I am sad for those who want to call in the NAACP and such... this is stupid and rediculous! I am outraged and think that you should think of yourself as being the cop (just trying to do your job). Just shows that in America....... you are dam*ed if you do and dam*ed if you don't. Get a life... one of the most annoying things in the world is a DRUNK COLLEGE STUDENT...
Posted by: Yak Location: Coastal on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:03 AM
This is why I do not support sports of any kind, college or professional. Its just a game or have people forgotten that?http://digg.com/football/ECU_West_Virginia_game_ends_in_police_brutality
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I think police officers are and always will be in a no win situation with you bunch of whiners. If they had done nothing you people would have been complaining about that. To you people that did not approve of their actions, tell us all IN DETAIL how you think they SHOULD HAVE HANDLED THE SITUATION. I for one am curious what you think the best way to handle a bunch of unruly idiots would be.WAITING>>>>
Posted by: Sally Location: Winterville on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:56 AM
After watching the news this Mon. morning, I was disappointed with Terry Holland's "statement" to the public about the game. Everyone knows "storming the field" isn't safe, Terry. If keeping kids off the field was the goal, then shouldn't your law enforcement be standing along the fence FACING the crowd? Your people were facing the game! Then they stood around the downed goal post. Looked to me like they were protecting the goal NOT the children that were running on the field. Adults take charge!
Posted by: Susan Location: Kinston on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:41 AM
After such a great win on Saturday it's a shame that what happened afterward is all that anyone can talk about. Students have been storming the field as long as 17 year old girls have been getting pregnant. Let the Priates have the victory and the celebrations they deserve.
Posted by: carolyn Location: greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:52 AM
the officers shown on tv, that were using force were NOT ECU officers,why is it no one blames gthe public but are quick to blame the law enforcement. the so called fans and students acted like a bunch of thugs and fools all of them should have been arrested or beaten down like the pack of wild dogs they were!
Posted by: Mike Location: Edenton on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:47 AM
When the officers using too much force are identified they should be prosecuted for assault and lose their jobs. I'd hate to think what they would have done if the kids were to fight back. I surely didn't see any of these kids resisting or fighting back.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: new bern on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:07 AM
I'm sure Jesse Jackson and crew will be here shortly and all of this will be straightend out. Those poor innocent students.
Posted by: A Location: Emerald Isle on Sep 8, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Josh wrote; "We, as students, pay for that stadium and I'm sure our tuition covered the minscule wages that Greenville's "Finest" made for doing their "jobs" that day". I will never approve of a Police Officer abusing his/her authority. 99% of all PO's are hard working and under paid. Unfortunately, like any other profession, there are a few bad apples. Thats 1% to many. But come on Josh, those guys are doing a job that would probably make you shake and shiver in the fetal position if you were forced to do it. To attack their pay/wages is juvenile. I know several PO's that have College Degrees, and they are doing the job that you and I probably take for granted, for next to nothing. Dont take this wrong, If the investigation reveals that those few officers abused their authority, they should be fired IMMEDIATELY! Judging someone by how much they make per year, is a lousy way of keeping score. Just remember that Josh.
Posted by: Shocked Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:57 AM
I was at the game and saw the whole debacle unfold...as i did I couldn't help but wonder: are these cops angry and taking their frustrations out on these students because they had to work on a Saturday night? Or maybe because they never went to college and got to experience what these students were? Regardless, it was sickening. The deputy (I use that term loosely) repeatedly pounding on the kid lying prone on the ground should lose his job, end of story. I witnessed the same sort of thing regularly downtown in Greenville 15 years ago when I was a student at ECU. If these cops don't have any more self-control than this they shouldn't be on the force. No wonder some people call them pigs.
Posted by: ECU Fan Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:12 AM
I think it should be noted that the ECU Police that were working did an excellent job and refrained from these shenanigans. Those other departments invited in to help with the crowd should be the only ones dealt with. Unfortunately it only takes a few to put a black mark on all police officers. Thank you ECU Police Department for having professionals working in your department. As a fan of ECU, I am glad we have good officers working the campus.
Posted by: Eugene Location: Greenville NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:50 AM
To MR. I'm going to write the govenor and senators and whoever: Why dont you use your self proclaimed influence to resolve the issues of the great City of Greenville. Like why the city spent at least $20,000 in overtime for a rain shower the other night. Why they spend $180,000 in overtime every 4 months to protect the drunk college kids in downtown Greenville on Thurs, Fri & Sat nights. Why is the crime rate so high in G-Vegas!! To you fine citizens that continue to complian about the POLICE in Greenville. Put a face with your words and jump up and down on your Council Members desk. Go to the Mayor and demand answer's...Use your power at the POLL's....Demand Change....Trust me; The POLICE want you to Demand Change...they dont like it either but have you ever thought......ITS NOT THEIR CHOICE.......THEY HAVE A BOSS TOO!!!! If they hand keeps screwing up, cut it off...But when the HEAD keeps making the hand screw up, CUT IT OFF!!!!!!
Posted by: Eugene Location: Greenville NC on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:33 AM
This amazes me. First its they shouldn't have beaten the poor college kids!! OK, They are told not to go on the field...PERIOD... Then they should be out there working on rapes and robberies.. HELLO STUPID, they were being paid by ECU to be at the ball game, not working robberies and rapes in Greenville... If these college kids are so innocent, why was there several reports of property being burnt and houses set on fire in the COLLEGE AREA that night...OH nevermind they burnt down their landlords $100,000 house..they were just celebrating.. Nevermind that a majority of them are yes drunk, but whats worse than that is they are UNDER AGE....Oh but thats ok cause their celebrating, or MOMMY AND DADDY says its ok or they dont believe their kids would do that sort of thing. Oh yes, lets call the NAACP...Now I for one would like to see that one...The NAACP marching for white people...What a JOKE...that would be a video for You Tube...
Posted by: fan Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:45 AM
For the person named "people" at 9:32pm, i'm sorry bro but we must still be in the 60s...I firsthand watched from the 30 yd line a student with his chest in the ground in handcuffs getting hit repeatedly with a stick, at least 3 times to be exact...if that is not excessive force in your opinion, you should find a new job, end of story.....and c'mon, spitting at you? Aren't you taught to keep your cool under any situation? I have been spit at, swung at, etc., you do your best to provide self-defense, not take it out on another harmless student...gimme a break. I thank the 95% of cops who did their job exceptionally well last night, it just sucks that we had 5 or 6 ruin the entire night.
Posted by: WOW Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:33 AM
There is a very important statement in the article above and I quote "But if that failed, he said, officers were instructed to step back and focus on making sure that those on the field stayed safe." um... lets see punching, slamming, beating what ever else you wanna throw in there that wasn't making sure they were safe!! I ain't gonna bad talk no department or no officer but we all saw it, we all witnessed it either in person or on tv... there is NO REASON why somebody don't get a desk job or the pink slip in the coming week!! and skip did say to the reporter you better get off the field, but He was eating it up!! I do recall before that comment he said I want my team to enjoy this win and I want Greenville to enjoy this win!! and we did!! until some persons got power happy!! guess what to those who did... you got caught!! next time don't get power happy on national tv!! for once i wouldn't mind seeing Brother Jessie, or Brother Al!! Bring'em on!!
Posted by: ****** Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:27 AM
From a concerned student who didn't rush the field. I saw another young man who rushed the field get slammed to the ground and was put in an arm bar behind his back . The officer kneed the boy in his head while he was defenseless face down on the ground.
Posted by: josh Location: copper beech on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I was a victim of the excessive force used on the fans at the ECU vs. WVU game on Saturday. These actions were ludicrous and completely uncalled for. The home video aired of the student being pushed and punched by the police officer was me. Contrary to the other video evidence, I was not even on the field when this unnecessary roughness took place. I was soberly celebrating the vitory over West Virginia and am appalled that anyone can find reason in these measures taken by authorities. While people are out in the community getting raped and robbed, the authorities are inside Dowdy-Ficklen abusing their power on college students who are just excited that ECU's football program is proving to the nation that we are a powerhouse. Did the fact that we were on the field hurt anyone or cause any problems? No. We, as students, pay for that stadium and I'm sure our tuition covered the minscule wages that Greenville's "Finest" made for doing their "jobs" that day.
Posted by: diane Location: williamston,nc27892 on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:08 AM
this police violence of a college football game,to me is totaly unexceptable.there is no reason for police brutality.when all the fans were doing was celebrating a huge victory.what is so wrong with that.what becomes to my mind is that the police officers used excesive force.I think they should be charged in a court of criminal law for asault.from what i seen they should be convicted and punished.
Posted by: HEY SANDY Location: ESPN on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:04 AM
While watching that interview on ESPN didn't you hear Holtz say "Greenville needs this, I want them to celebrate" While obviously looking the officer in the eye. yeah thats what I thought
Posted by: Scott Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:02 AM
It is not like all the students were going out to fight the officers. We were rushing the field and only maybe a thousand or so even made it onto the field. As stated in the article above, the officers were briefed to just show some sort of presence. I witnessed cops chasing down student with asp batons and other officers threatening students by pointing their tasers at people behind the fence. It is obvious that the some of the officers began to panic and tried to stop a situation far bigger than their being. Yes I do like cops but there is no excuse to punch kids and use other means of force unneccessarily. I just want to know why people are blaming the students for rushing the field when the officers were already briefed before the game on what they should and should not do in the case that we did upset WVA. I rest my case. GO PIRATES!!! ARRRRRGH!
Posted by: LEO Location: Pitt Co. on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Good Job to Sgt. Crumpler for his efforts to keep Skip Holtz from getting killed out there. GO CRUMP!! I don't mind the kids having a good time. I never really understood why any student would tear up the equitment. Let them have their fun and then just herd them back off. Why was Kinston PD there?
Posted by: Homey the Clown Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I think it's funny that everyone in the media missed the clip from youtube of the black female cop swingin her baton at a white male and barely missed knocking him out. Then she chased him down the field still with her weapon out. I would have run too. All that for just celebrating a great win. Did the media just "miss" that part...were it a white cop swinging on a black male, bet that would have made more of an impact...no pun intended. Editor's Note: We have not implied race has anything to do with this particular story. We are not discriminating on which video we use or do not use. We captured our video on one camera by chance. As for the YouTube videos, we have not reviewed each clip for our use, since we have our own video showing just one example of Saturday's incident.
Posted by: policepower Location: Winterville on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:31 PM
If kids would respect the law then none of this would have happen..Also the student on the grounds was resisting..Also Great Job to Sgt. Crump for protecting coach Holtz.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:26 PM
To obama 08 4 prez I vote to bring in the NAACP.
Posted by: pleez on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:07 PM
To Parent of a student....WOW.. what an example you are setting for your child! Yes, there should be some investigation. First of all so the wrong officers aren't blamed( like you are doing). Second, the officers I know don't sit in their cruisers eating donuts! They are out there protecting citizens not knowing what they will be up against at anytime! Yes there can be bad employees at any job but I guarantee that the first time something happens to you, your family or your possessions... you will be calling the police to help you out! Your FINE example for your child hopefully won't rub off on him/her. You should be an officer for a day and night and see how it works. Until you walk in their shoes... don't try to even THINK that you know what they are up against every day. By the way, how do you think it makes their families feel when you talk about them like they are worthless?! How would you like someone talking about your family that way??
Posted by: Sandy Location: New Bern on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:00 PM
People People i was at that game and i simply heard the police saying do NOT come on the field and the people didnt hear and guess what happen then?? they paid for it the officers were just doing their jobs did any of you see Skip Holtz's interview with ESPN??? did you see the poor State trooper trying to keep the crowd from mobbing Skip and i even heard Skip say on ESPN to the reporter we better get off this field before we get killed so people lay off these officers doing their jobs and great win Pirates!!
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
As a black parent I feel as if I can say this. Had a black person been beat like that, we would have had the NAACP, the NCLC, Sharpton, Jesse, and every news station in their (rear). We would have been marching today for justice. We wouldn't have just rolled over and took it. But please believe this, the same thing that separates us unites us. Black parents are upset too, because IT could have been one of us. Take my word for it, I can't speak for the entire black race, but I do know a lot of us have your back. As a parent we will unite with you. We will not stand behind you but beside you. We will bring in the NAACP for you. We will get this nationally if you want. They say we whine. I say the squeakiest wheel gets the most oil. You are not alone.

Slight Edit

Posted by: ? Location: ayden on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I think that unless you are a cop you shouldn't judge something you really can't understand. First off they were out numbered due to some of the officers that were scheduled to be there were called away to deal with the hurricane at the coast so right off the bat they were short. I think that if you watch the video you can clearly see that they did the best the could to control the situation and deal with the best way the could. I you were in their shoes what would you do if you were being rushed at by all those drunk people. I think that the officers did what they are trained to do and did a good job with what they had and before you judge, and convict them of things get all the facts and the evidence, and not go off what you hear and what you saw unless you know what was going on,
Posted by: Mechelle Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I am a student at ECU and happen to be at the ECU vs. WV game seated near the band at the end zone where all the police brutality was at. I saw a police officer body slamm a student and than repeatedly punch him when he was already on the ground giving up. A few people around us started chanting POLICE BRUTALITY!!! and i agreed with them !!! it was police brutality. the police officers were unprofessional!! I HOPE MY FELLOW PIRATES INVOLVED ARE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURIED!! GO PIRATES!!
Posted by: WJ Location: GVEGAS on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:27 PM
I can't form an opinion until I have heard the entire story. One thing that I have formed an opinion of is that alcohol needs to be banned from ECU sporting events. Why do people need to get drunk to enjoy themselves? The tailgate fields open way before the game and the majority of the tailgaters get drunk. You bring liquor and glass bottles, which you are not allowed to have, and then you bring your alcohol into the stadium. You hide it in your pockets, purses, bras, socks and god only knows where else. But, thats O.K., you aren't doing anything wrong, only the police are wrong. You mix your drinks in the stadium, but only when the cops aren't around, yea, good example of a fine law abiding citizen. Then when the game is over, you get behind the wheel of your car and drive away, great example. Maybe the University should have a game without alcohol. I wonder how much more responsable everyone would be? Or, maybe just let the cops in the stadium when they are called.
Posted by: gladnottobeingville Location: anywherebutecu on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Enjoy it for the short time it lasts pirate fan. Skip Holtz will be leaving good ole' g'ville when he gets an offer from a better school at the end of this season...
Posted by: mike Location: chincoteague va on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I played football @ ECU for Magee and Randle and have been a Pirate Club member for 35 years as have many of my teammates.We have seen the lean times when the stands were nearly empty and we are proud of the spirit that ECU football has generated, but I was sickened by what I saw after the WVU game. Young students sitting on the turf of Dowdy-Ficklen, bloodied and handcuffed. Their only wish was to congratulate someone...anyone. Yet they were treated as some sort of weapon-carrying gang member. These kids will be productive citizens soon and hopefully members of the Pirate Club someday. I sincerely hope nothing like this happens again and I beg for complete amnesty for each of these students from our university.
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:16 PM
It amazes me how socialized and civilized college students get THAT crazy. That they feel a need to run on the field, after a win they had no hand in achieving besides watching it. Beat'em down like the rule breakers they are.
Posted by: Pirate Supporter Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:14 PM
look on the far side on the white line around 1:20.....you can see an officer lifting up a fan and slamming him in the ground..I actually saw this from the other side..it was a blonde male with a white shirt on....grabbed at random http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dEvgC-7ZQ0
Posted by: to: disgusted... Location: pirate country on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:11 PM
yes they can still fight with handcuffs on, but most of them were not but were still being beaten. and i don't think the officers are doing a horrible job, but there was no way to control 20,000 people and their instructions were that if they could not control them, then to stand back and just make sure everything is ok. I think that a cop is not doing a good job when they don't listen to their instructions...
Posted by: pirate fan Location: The best place. GVILLE on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I don't know where you're from, but I also can't think of any school that has NEVER stormed the field... what school do you go to? ECU has the best program for my degree in the state of NC, pretty much on the East Coast for that matter. We have the best Med School around as well,so I would like to know where you are from

POST EDITED
Posted by: Greg Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Based on this statement in the above article: "all officers were told that if ECU won the game and fans attempted to come onto the field, officers should try to deter them by making themselves visible.", then the officers involved were insubordinate. It was disgusting from my vantage point at the game and as proud as I was of ECU winning the game, I am ashamed of the officers whose behavior is now being called into question. This is not to slam the rest of the decent officers, but I hope that the ones (and the one in particular who threw the punches) gets canned, and I would be willing to testify what I saw if the student in question files a lawsuit against ECU or the officer.
Posted by: gladnottobeingville Location: anywherebutecu on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Typical behavior for students of a third rate school in a sewer of a town. Way to go Easy U!!
Posted by: disgusted Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:41 PM
I love how everyone is saying that since the poor little innocent students were in handcuffs, that the big bad meanie cops shouldn't have done anything else. Hello people, criminals can still fight with handcuffs on! And yes, perhaps the statement about 40,000 drunken fans was exaggerating a bit....but I'd guess nearly 20,000 of them were legally intoxicated. Just because they "lost their buzz" doesn't mean they're not drunk. I'm with sympathetic, what if one of those kids had gotten knocked down and run over like one of the officers? If you think the officers are so horrible and doing such bad jobs, why don't you go and become an officer? Yeah, I didn't think there would be any takers.
Posted by: Pirate Fan Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:39 PM
The cops were way out of control. i was in the stands watching the whole thing and I watched the cops individually pick out a few and tackle them to the ground and even if they were cooperating still using unreasonable force...I saw a guy after the game and his shirt was all torn and he already had bruises. Cops just get a power trip and they need to be more worried other crimes besides some very excited Pirates after a very exciting win over a number 8 nationally ranked team... I mean come on. They knew it was going to happen and that showed when they took down the goal posts... They should have just sat back and watched the pirate enjoy their moment of victory.. GO PIRATES. and Alex... I would like to see you try to charge 30,000 Pirates. give me a break.
Posted by: I aint lyin Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:38 PM
o alex lol lets see they could be charges with Felony assault for spiting in officers face, resist obstruct and delay, trespassing, damage to property for the fence of course drunk and dis. o and of curse stepping foot on the field which is a mis. it self. I Aint LYin.
Posted by: Concerned Father Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I witnessed the law enforcement officials on Saturday and their actions were disgraceful and despicable. I believe these actions to be attributed to only a few law enforcement individuals. I certainly respect and support other law enforcement officers for keeping us safe. It was sad to see these joyful college kids being targeted, while literally thousands of their fellow classmates ran onto the field to celebrate. To be singled out and arrested was a travesty, but the brutality was horrendous. I do not personally know the law enforcement officers who were involved but hope they are punished to the maximum. I would also expect civil actions to be filed. This excessive force is typical of what we see on television in other cities - not Greenville.
Posted by: people Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:32 PM
i have seen two videos and it has not been greenville police. john you need to get out of the 60's police don't carry sticks anymore. i have a question for everyone that is saying charges should be filed. what on earth are yall thinging. all i have to say the police is always wrong, right thats what yall are saying. plus i put my life on the line for yall people and leave my family at home. i do this kind of work because i like it and i dont appreciate the committs i have read. no i am not saying what happened is right but there is three sides to every story his yours and the thruth. i would like to see some of what yall are talking about. i saw one on you tube but thats all thanks
Posted by: i aint lyin Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:28 PM
o and just for the record their were several officers picking young girls up after falling in the crowd running , they were being trampled by the crowd and officers stepped in and picked them up getting elbowed and pushed to protect people from really getting hurt. in a crowd like that if a person falls they will be injured. so the parents that are harping on one officer your welcome for keeping your daughters from really getting hurt Maybe your 14 year old that yall keep talking about im sure the officers that helped the situation will app. this.. and im not going to even start on the whole making your self visible thing ha yea
Posted by: Jonathan Location: Ayden on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Local cops are more worried about catching speeders going 5 miles over the limit in a 35 mph zone than catching the real criminals...
Posted by: Bob Location: Winterville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Sue: "100,000 college students running out towards you". Congratulations! You are the proud winner of the 2008 Great American Blogging Society's Use of Gross Hyberole of the Year Award.
Posted by: Mey Location: Greenville ECU on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Yesterdays game was insane to begin with. But the police did take it a little to far. Like it seemed like when a huge group would run by they took the biggest one to make a statement. Even when people would comply they would hit them. It was a little crazy even after the 3000 fans were on the field and then all the sudden when they went and still tried to arrest people. Thats stupid if you ask me
Posted by: Fan Location: Tarboro on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:10 PM
In response to some of the stupid comments listed. One commment said the police were trying to control 40,000 drunk fans.iis grossly overstated and by the end of the game most of the drinking fans had lost their buzz by then.
Posted by: alex Location: Vanceboro on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:08 PM
everyone who claims police brutality should be charged with tresspassing. they we told not to go on the field. they should be cited.
Posted by: sympathetic to both sides Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:07 PM
To all the parents out there ready hang “the cop” for what he did. Let us think about what might have happened if you sweet little boy or girl had tripped while all those drunks where running onto the field. Those kids and adults who act like kids where not looking where they were going. Someone could have gotten trampled just like the cop did when the kid ran him down. I was not there and I don’t like the looks of the 4 second video but all of you are ready to hang a cop for attempting to protect you child or someone else’s from injury. Let’s we try something new for a change.. Let’s us try investigating the incident and find out what happened!! You want to judge him and hang him in 4 seconds? COME ON!!
Posted by: Sue on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Disgusted... you are SOO right... AMEN!!!!!
Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I was there at the game and witnessed in horror what occured. I quickly went to the endzone to voice my concerns. From my seat in the stands, it appeared the officers involved were all state troopers - they were wearing light grey shirts & black pants. When Igot to the endzone I realized it was the City of Kinston police that were involved in the abuse that I witnessed. I voiced my concern to a black male officer from Kinston and he told me that all the students in cuffs were getting ready to be released. What a horrible ending to suck a great game/victory celebration. Slamming kids to the ground multiple times while their in cuffs should be a chargeable offense. I hope they go the police men (and woman) that were involved in the melee as they acted in a manner that disgraces all law enforcement. Noteably, none of the other law enforcement officers at the game intervened in what the Kinston police were doing...they all just stood there and watched. How outrageous.....
Posted by: Sue on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I aint lyin:::: where should the officers have been?? Give me a break!!!!!! You should be glad they are protecting YOU and YOUR family! What if there had been someone with a gun in that stadium... who would have been there to save ya'll who were there? I can't believe what I am reading on here. Ya'll are rediculous!!!
Posted by: Bob Location: Winterville on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:04 PM
I witnessed it from close to field in section 3. Students were celebrating a big victory- happens all over the place, all the time. Let's hope ECU continues to celebrate! Shame on those that want to make it sound as if ECU students are more outrageous than other college students. There are literally hundreds of far worse "celabratory" events all over the country & easy to see on the 'net. Google much? I won't call out our friends to the west here. Before on field stuff occurred , there was taunting on each side- crowd in endzone and officers. All in all though, simple as students run on field to celibrate victory, ignoring PA system. I was not for it, but I'm not 19. Most of the police there, and all the ECU police that I saw and know, were totally OK. Takes 2% to ruin it. You don't single out a student or two for a beating in front of thousands. Bet these officers were not Pitt County locals. Most importantly, it was a fun, good night for 99.9% and Go Dang Pirates!
Posted by: disgusted Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Fine, pull all the police off the field, and let every drunk fool have a free for all--then we can listen to all the hypocritical whining about "where were the police that should have been keeping everyone safe?" You can't have it both ways people. I say let them have at each other, then we can nominate them for the Darwin awards. Thanks to all you officers that are so under appreciated
Posted by: ECU fan Location: Winterville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:53 PM
As a family member of multiple Law enforcment officers you hear about the cruilty they have to undergo for little pay etc & yes they do risk thier lives everyday for our saftey but there is a line you have to draw. The fans were excited it was a huge game & a huge win for ECU the goal posts were down & were being protected, the fans were just trying to celebrate & drunk or not unless they were fighting or had a weapon they don't deserve to get the crap beat out of them. From the stands we witnessed & had pictures of what was going on. You can't pick & choose when there are thousands of ppl in front of you-there was a girl right beside a guy who was being body slammed- why not go after her? b/c she was a girl? how about the children that were on the field with their parents? I know there are rules & they are doing their jobs but was the excessive force necessary? You can't beat up a few people when thousands of people are guilty of the same thing! As an alumni of ECU I am disappointed.
Posted by: B Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Charges should be filed agianst the officers who did this. Everyone should write the DA and cheif of police and force this investagation to move quickly. Many of these cops think that just because they have a badge and a batton that they can do what they please. I am personally going to write the mayor and the state legeslature to have them look into this incident. I am a taxpayer and am tired of paying to have a few dummys with guns beating up teenagers and college kids. Please contact whoever you can and lets make sure that these idiots are not the ones that are supposed to be "protecting us"
Posted by: i aint lyin Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Hey john you right, a law enforcement can not strike a citizen when they are complying with law enforcements request i just saw the video and im not sticking up for what i saw if they wanted to place the subject in handcuffs and he was not complying def should of done something better than what i saw would i have done it no but you can bet if i was going to make an arrest on that field i would of done what i was teached spray maybe a pressure point and would of been well in my right and you could take me to court all day long.... but once again i dont think law enforcements should of been on the field. punching a guy several times in the leg probably dont look good for that officer good luck.
Posted by: Sue on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:44 PM
To John Doe... have you ever been in a cops situation like this? 100,000 college students running out towards you - overwhelmed is what I call it. Here we go....let's write everyone in upper "seats" to see what we can have done about something so silly. Write them about something that matters - the gangs and drugs in Greenville. Give me a break people. Ya'll are whining over this... and in my opinion the students should be the ones at fault. If a student spits in your face as a cop and you have even 100 other students charging your way... what do you do? Give me a break ya'll... this is sooooo silly.
Posted by: i aint lyin Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Nope john, i dont think officers should of been on the field period and no i dont work for greenville and never abused my authority while in law enforcement cant speak for things i did not see but i had a good view of some of the things going on so take it easy and good luck with talking bad about all cops im sure you will need them bf they need you. Orders are a pain specially when you dont want to enforce or agree with them but its are job.
Posted by: Jack on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Anyone defending these actions on here are cops,I saw it and it was disgusting!
Posted by: John Doe Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:27 PM
This situation may be a bit too much for our local county government and East Carolina Staff. I have decided to write Governor Mike Easley on this issue and fellow representatives in congress. This is an embarrassment to our entire community. And to listen to a few of our citizens support of this is a disgrace. In all honesty the few I believe are officers trying to help theirselves in this case. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE CAN A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BEAT a citizen while his back is turned and on the ground. If our local law agencies will not act swiftly enough. Lets bring in Big Dogs that will tell them what to do! For the law enforcement officers who stood and watched these acts happen and not pull the officer off this kid, you should be ashamed of yourself. Are you proud of yourself and badge now? What would you do if this kid had lost his life over your excessive punishment? Would you still go to church on Sun.? Would you want your children to know what you had done?
Posted by: Ruth Location: stadium on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:25 PM
As a parent in the stands watching the kids go on the field at the end of the game, I was appalled! To see uniformed men (and a woman) grab, throw to the ground and hit kids was horrible. Most of the kids that went onto the field were not even ECU students! I watched as my own 14 and 12 year old went onto the field with all the other kids. What the officers didn't take into account was that the entire "scoreboard area" along the end zone was filled with elementary, middle and high school aged kids! I was helpless as I watched from the stands. What if those officers had beaten my 12 year old!! Come on, what's going on ECU???
Posted by: ECU Fan Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:16 PM
The officer shown during Coach Holtz's interview, I believe, is assigned to protect the coach. He was doing his job. The students were pushing closer and closer and the trooper was trying to maintain a safe distance. Celebrating is fine and has far as I am concerned, running on the field was okay. However, the students and law enforcement were both responsible for their proper behavior. I'm sure, when all is said and done, there was wrong on both sides. Let the investigation run its course and proper action taken. However, it would be very sad to let this thing overshadow the greatest victory for our beloved Pirates. Let's pull behind our players and coaches and let the officials deal with the problems that happened. GO PIRATES !!!!!!
Posted by: john Location: Hamlet on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Greenville cop below,with your attitude, you were probably one of the ones.they are not going to get away with it this time, too many witnesses,
Posted by: i aint lyin Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Maybe ECU is at falt.... did you ever think the officers were put in a very bad situation of elbows and shoving. Sorry to say it guess but that stuff wouldent fly on the streets. O and as for the video yes shows a officer punching a guy in the leg because the boy was throwing elbows and spitting in officers faces not complying with the officers request. I think the officers should of been there to make sure no one got trampled or hurt. they were all put in a bad situation trying to contain 40,000 drunk fans. let them run but pushing and spitting aint gonna happen ....... so thanks ECU
Posted by: Jim Location: Newport on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I normally side with law enforcement since I know they have a tough job. In this case however, I cannot. From the stands I saw numerous instances of excessive use of force on kids who were just excited about the victory. The goal posts were down. The crowd was not unruly or disrespectful to the WVU personnel leaving the field. The police response was totally inexcusable and should lead to assault charges against the officers in question.
Posted by: Jeffrey Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I was at the game working on the sidelines with my wife and could not see what was happening on that side of the feild.Toward the end of the game I called my 14yr.son that hangs out with his friends under the score board with the other younger teens from area middle schools.This is the same side of the feild that the Police abused their power.Lets face it ECU had both feild goals on the ground in about 5 sec.What were they protecting??? We watched Skip run toward the middle of the feild like a proud happy school kid to celerbrate with his team.Nobody was their to harm him.I went to the gate next to the ship and the guy let my son slip in.Me and my wife and son went out and gave high fives to the team.I didn't know anything had happened until we came home and I saw the post show on Talk of the Town.People that called in were outraged and so was I when I heard this had happened.This maybe one of ECU best games ever.But things like this my dampen this game for the brutality and not win
Posted by: Dana Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:06 PM
To "A COP"...Hopefully you're not a cop in greenville, because I do not want you protecting my safety. I don't want to hear a pitty party regarding the poor cops and what they have to face. They attacked these poor students in front of thousands. I've been a PIRATE for a long time, and have never seen such disappointment in my University. My nine year old neice was on the field celebrating with her family. What if she was attacked with a club? Let's focus on the real issues here in Greenville, such as the "real" crime taking place daily. I was sitting in the end zone with many other fans, just shocked in what we saw. Again "A COP", no one is quick to judge here. We all witnessed first hand brutality. We don't have to assume anything...the actions were made in front of the entire stadium. Please remove these officers from the towns they work for and make the world a little safer.
Posted by: Done with it Location: NC on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Police brutality? A take-down is police brutality now? That's it, I'm done here. Ya'll are starting to make me sick. May God have mercy on the souls of the officers that have to protect jerks like you. These same officers that you are so quick to judge and condemn are the same ones that would take a bullet to save you or your families lives. And don't give me that garbage about how you actually DO respect cops, but not those that you think used excessive force. I'd love to see any of you have to deal with what cops deal with in that type situation. Respond back however you want, because I'm not revisiting this article. Just know that although any officer would risk his/her life for you, you are not worthy of that. So sit in your safe little houses tonight have a good night's sleep. You'll be safe because those you condemm are out there protecting you. My contempt for you kows no bounds.
Posted by: parent of a student Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:03 PM
I think this is a continuation of the problem that has plagued G'ville. Cops that target students for anything and then can't own up to their actions. Go sit in your cruisers that are parked at various gas stations and continue to do the lousy job you have been doing. The police are more interested in harrassing students than dealing with the real crime such as the shootings, rapes, robberies and gang violence. They all need to go into other vocations where they can sit on their tails and eat donuts. Go get a job at Krispy Kreme.
Posted by: Sue on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Richard..... do you know what the student said to the cop or could you see what they did?? If not.... then you don't know the whole story. YA'LL GET A LIFE! NOT ALL cops are bad... and they are just trying to do their job. Drunk college students are some of the most annoying people in the world. Now... think if you were a cop and they jumped over and called you something very ugly or told you they were going to hit you. What would you do? Do you have time to "wait around" to see what their next move is???? POLICE WERE OVER NUMBERED AT THE GAME. Sorry ya'll... I'm on the cop side of this unless I know the WHOLE story.
Posted by: ECU student Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Thankfully the students who were harrassed were not black! We all know Jessie Jackson would be here in G-vegas raising a big scene!
Posted by: GO ECU Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I guess the one's who got beat down will listen next time. Follow the rules and you won't get beat down! Geez!
Posted by: mark j on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:48 PM
anyone on here saying that it wasnt brutality is a cop trying to cover his (rear). I saw it and it was discusting.

Slight Edit

Posted by: student Location: g'vegas on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:47 PM
understand that the officer did not jump over the fence. If the people that got hurt had stayed on the other side of the fence he would not have gotten hurt. Face the consequences of the decsions you make in life. there is a lot that is learned at school that is not in the classroom. i bet he thinks twice about storming the field the next time. I would hate to hear an injury report today of athletes that got hurt from students storming the field.
Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Wow! That's crazy. That would be the same as if officers punched students who crowded Franklin Street to celebrate a win over Duke. It's a good thing that they know college students will celebrate around here. It's not like they were protesting or anything. Wow! Such naive officers.
Posted by: Jason Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:46 PM
This isn’t an isolated incident police around here including highway patrol abuse there authority on a daily basis but now that it was caught from multiple angels and videos lets see them cover this up. Believe me if this was just one student getting beat down at a party the police and media would cover it up. I personally have seen cops mace people without identifying there self and even when the other person was not acting violent these people had no idea what was happening and after the mace they even tried to defend their self until the police finally identified their self. I say there should be maximum penalties against the cops simply firing them is not enough the cops who exhibited excessive force should be charged. And to the other cops who didn’t I personally THANK YOU and appreciate your work!!! I have nothing but respect for cops who don’t abuse their authority.
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:46 PM
They treated students/teenagers worse than they would treat a murder suspect. Charges should be filed against these so called law enforcement officers. True law enforcement officers show restraint unlike these criminals.
Posted by: Ed Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:38 PM
What the police did was uncalled for and somebody needs to be held accountable. Period.
Posted by: Dave Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:26 PM
The ECU police are INNOCENT of any brutality! The only thing the ECU police do is walk the parking lots writing tickets for having an expired sticker!!
Posted by: kim Location: charlotte on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:20 PM
I was watching the game and at the end I saw the police brutality, We have written ESPN to ask that they send their footage to ECU officials.It was horrible watching this happen after a wonderful game.
Posted by: Richard Location: Pirate club side of field on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I was very upset with what I saw take place on the student side of the field. I did not see any of the recorded video that was shown on your 6:00 PM broad cast my self, but one that I did see took place after a student jumped down onto the field as the game ended. A police officer much larger than the student of an unkown police department grabed the student to subdue him. I think this initial responce was within the instruction given. The head lock and body slam to the groud was totaly uncalled for. I would put this action as a grievant display of police brutality.
Posted by: Student/ECU Location: Greenville ,NC on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:47 PM
They Won! Let us enjoy ourselves .No one got hurt.Why are police act like someone is going hurt players or staff.ECU has a very big student body,this was all in fun.Students are a big present to some key wins , we are 12th man in the game! I never seen UNC,NCS,Duke,Wake or any of college Team , law enforcement act this after a big win.Instead of students out control,law enforcement are outta control!On top of that ,all this was ESPN!NCS Game.Now if they beat us they we will run on field!
Posted by: JD Location: NEW BERN on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:44 PM
So that state trooper on TV should of let the fans keep push him. If you saw the same thing I saw he did not start the pushing he was getting run into to by a bunch of fans
Posted by: a cop Location: greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:36 PM
until you have been a law enforcement officer , you do not know what the officers do and do not face. i like how the news makes no report of how the police had to respond to several couches that these same celebrating students set on fire throughout the evening. if that is not a mob mentality that could cause the loss of life i don't know what is. people need to not be so quick to judge what the police or students were doing was or was not wrong. those students were told to stay off the field and that is also a violation of state law. but thats right, in America it is always someone else's fault isn't it!
Posted by: SBK Location: NC on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:35 PM
I watched the youtube clip and saw about four seconds of something partially obscured by the bottom of the screen. I saw nothing of what happened beforehand and I'm 100% sure none of the commenters here did either. I've said it before and I'll say it again, either let the fans take the field or back up the cops, but don't put them in an impossible situation. If this keeps up ECU is going to have a hard time getting other agencies to assist them at football games. Maybe cops shouldn't even BE at football games. Just let the fans take care of themselves.
Posted by: Sue on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:34 PM
I guess if we were all in their shoes we may think SOMEWHAT differently. I am not for brutality.. but let's think about it like this........... you are told to "try and hold students from storming the field." They are TRYING to run on the field - you do everything in your power to stop them. Mainly.... something could have gone wrong on that field. Let's say WV fans got on the field and you could have a MASS fight... I realize they could do the same thing in the parking lot, but don't you think it'd be easier to break up in the parking lot rather than inside the stadium where other fans couldn't get out? I know it's exciting and I'm an ECU fan too... but I don't think students should storm the field and I do believe that the police needs to have some control. However, I disagree with punching them and excessive force. Just think how aggrivating DRUNK college students are at a football game. I can only imagine how the police feel.
Posted by: David Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:29 PM
What a great win for our team, but what an embarassment as well. Not only did local news cameras catch this but ESPN broadcast it all over the world. Schools celebrate this way all over the country and its ashame to see force used against innocent kids. I hope proper actions will be taken against these so called officers and officials.
Posted by: Danny Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:22 PM
For a few minutes after the game I thought I was in China or Korea instead of a country where all you ever hear about is individual's rights. Police actions were definitely over the top! At the very least they should publicly apologize and those responsibile should invoke punitive action against the officers involved. And no, Terry Holland, the answer is not more force! What a disgrace to ECU and Greenville!!
Posted by: ECU Parent Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I was at the game and I was totally appalled at the action of the police. They were out of line and if my child had been abused the way some of those children were I would have a good lawyer already...
Posted by: Fan Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:20 PM
The level of brutality that was displayed at the game was not surprising. Most times the actions of the Greenville Police Department are of a magnitude that is uncalled for. They use unnecessary excessive force on students all the time. This one instance was very appalling and it was displayed on national television. When the ESPN reporter was interviewing Holtz after the game the officer in the background was aggressively pushing students around even there. I think their actions make Greenville look bad and I am extremely glad that attention has been brought to this situation. My only hope now is that some kind of action be taken to regulate their behavior in the future, not just for football games, but for other situations as well.

Editor's Note: Multiple law enforcement agencies provide coverage for ECU games. Early indications are that it was not Greenville Police. Keep watching WITN news and witn.com for more on this case.

Posted by: Jennie Location: Washington NC on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:11 PM
I could not believe what I saw on the field Saturday after the game. I saw one officer who looked like he was in a sheriffs dept. uniform punching one kid several times while he was already being held on the ground by another officer. He then walked away from that kid and grabbed another one running by and picked him up and body slammed him on the ground. After he realized that people were watching him and saying things he let the kid go. It was absolutely ridiculous. If it was my kid, there would be a lawsuit or some type of reprocussion. It is one thing to keep everyone safe but they were doing nothing different then the other thousand running on the field to celebrate. It seems like they just targeted the ones they could catch that were smaller than they were and took out there anger on them.
Posted by: Jen Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 06:07 PM
“Obviously, the safety of the students, fans and athletes at the game is our first concern,” yeah well, take a peak at this...check out the lower right hand corner of the video; they beat this excited East Carolina Fan. The whole staduim saw it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8TlfGc8zNI

There are more videos on you tube of the police striking fans that haven't even jumped over the fence yet. Police protection my-butt

Posted by: John Location: Winterville on Sep 7, 2008 at 05:56 PM
All I would like to say on this news posting is Thank You. It is a weight lifted off of my shoulders. Im glad that something is being attempted to try to find out why a FEW officers abused their power at the game. That kid on the ground could have been my son. The officer should apologize for his actions in front of the entire ECU crowd at the next home game. Our kids watched his unprofessional actions towards an unarmed student.
Posted by: John Location: Greenville on Sep 7, 2008 at 05:54 PM
I was at the game along the fence and watched as several officers used force that was definately brutality towards several individuals. I watched a lady officer chase down a fan with a club. That was very unneccesary
Posted by: Dana on Sep 7, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I am so glad these cops are being investigated, and hopefully will be prosecuted. I watched in disbelief as fans were "attacked" after the game. Emotions were high, and fans were ready to celebrate. Unfortunately, these officers were feeling a little powerful and made fools of themselves. Congratulations to the Pirates on an awesome win!! I encourage proper officials to prevent this from happening at future games.
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