Dorsey Player Wins Appeal to City Section

Robert Beard, the Dorsey High football player facing a one-year suspension for his part in a fight after a game last year, won an appeal Tuesday that allows him to play in most of his team’s games this season.

Beard, an all-league outside linebacker, took part in a bench-clearing incident at the end of a City Section playoff game against Banning last December. He admitted to throwing a forearm at an unknown assailant who had a teammate in a chokehold.

Banning won the game, 21-20.

Because much of the melee was captured on videotape, City Section officials identified those involved and punished four Dorsey players. No Banning player was punished.

Beard, 6 feet 1 and 185 pounds, received the most severe penalty, a one-year suspension from all athletics. Because Since he would have been ineligible for football in most of his senior season, Beard appealed the decision.

He lost his first appeal in last February, and CIF State Commissioner Thomas Byrnes refused to hear the case.

Last week, Dan Isaacs, assistant superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District, reopened the case and held a special appeals meeting with Beard.

Tuesday, Dan Isaacs, assistant superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District, announced a modified punishment, allowing Beard to begin immediate practice with his team and be eligible for games on or after Oct. 7.

Beard, who has received several recruiting letters from college coaches, will miss the first four games of the season.

“I’m very satisfied with the outcome,” Beard said. “I would have preferred to play the whole season, but at least I won’t miss it all.”

Said Isaacs: “I was in a situation where I wanted to uphold our rules but also make a decision that was in the best interest of a young person. I think Robert will be a positive role model at his school, and I do believe he was remorseful for what he did. I’m very happy with the final outcome.”