Duffman Pannell — the 43-year-old football coach at Rockland County’s Ramapo High School — has been accused of hitting 15-year-old Brandon Girault during practice Monday.
The first year varsity coach was charged with second-degree assault based on the severity of the injuries and with endangering the welfare of a child. He was released without bail by Justice Alan Simon on Monday night and is due in court Oct. 29.
Girault, who signed a felony complaint filed by police with Ramapo Town Court, wrote that Pannell swung the helmet with his right hand to "purposely strike him in the head, causing considerable pain, swelling and bleeding above his left eye," according to lohud.com.
Ramapo students and faculty said they’re shocked by the allegations.
The school district released a statement saying: "It has come to our attention that there was an incident involving a coach and a student. We are conducting an internal investigation in conjunction with the Ramapo Police Department. The coach was arrested and released. Until the investigation is completed, the coach has been released from his coaching responsibilities."
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