Family of Varsity Lax Player Seeking Legal Action After Bad Hit

MALONE – The family of a lacrosse player from Franklin Academy is pursuing legal action against an Ogdensburg player who struck a Huskies player in the head with his stick, resulting in a concussion, during an April 20 match at Crowner Field in Malone.

The incident occurred during a game between Franklin Academy and the Blue Devils and was captured on video by NFHS Network, which covers high school sports.

In the footage, the Ogdensburg player approaches Landyn Pierson from Franklin Academy, swings his stick, and hits him in the head. Pierson collapses to the ground, motionless, as the Ogdensburg player theatrically tosses his stick and then casually begins to remove his equipment. Players from both teams stand frozen after the violent hit, uncertain of how to proceed. The video of the incident was shared on the Facebook page of the victim’s mother, Bethany Berkman-Pierson.

Landyn's mother recently provided an update on her son's condition, noting that he has shown some improvement but continues to experience symptoms following the head injury.

Pierson mentioned that Landyn has received a diagnosis of concussion and has been absent from school for a week. He has a follow-up appointment scheduled with his doctor on Monday to assess his readiness to return.

After the incident, the Pierson family proceeded to the Malone Village Police Department to formally file a complaint. Police Chief William T. Andre confirmed that the family took this step to initiate official police involvement on Monday, although he couldn't disclose all details due to the ongoing investigation.

Chief Andre mentioned that the department has received a statement from the victim and is awaiting medical records related to the injury. The case is under review by the county attorney for potential proceedings via a juvenile delinquent petition.

He clarified that the complaint alleges that during a lacrosse game, one juvenile player struck another with a lacrosse stick in the upper head area, resulting in physical harm.

Regarding the handling of juvenile cases versus adult cases, Andre explained the procedural differences and indicated that further actions would be handled by other relevant agencies specializing in such cases rather than the local police department.

Pierson expressed her belief that the stick attack constituted a criminal offense. She emphasized the importance of accountability for the action and disagreed that the assault could be attributed to exposure to excessive violence.

Mark Wilson, the director of Section X athletics, issued a statement via email addressing the incident.

"Section X acknowledges the gravity of this incident and has established procedures for handling such matters, including potential review by the Section X Sportsmanship Committee. The school district follows its distinct process in accordance with its policies. At present, the Section is unable to provide further comment," Wilson said.

Kevin Kendall, Superintendent of the Ogdensburg City School District, declined to provide specific details regarding actions taken against the Blue Devils player.

Berkman-Pierson, who disclosed that the opposing player received a five-day suspension, expressed gratitude for the support they've received in response to the situation.