Former High School Wrestling Coach Avoids Criminal Charges in Assault Case

Russell Brunson, a former assistant coach at Rocky Mountain High School in Idaho, will not face criminal charges after striking a 14-year-old wrestler from Nyssa, Oregon multiple times during a match in January 2024. The Nampa Police Department had recommended misdemeanor charges of battery and injury to a child, but Canyon County prosecutors opted for a non-prosecution agreement instead.

The agreement requires Brunson to abide by a lifetime ban from coaching Idaho high school sports and a ban on attending any high school sporting event through the 2024-25 school year. Brunson had claimed he believed his son was in a dangerous choke hold, but video showed him punching the opposing wrestler in the ribs.

Brunson resigned his volunteer coaching position after the incident, and the District Three Board of Control banned him from coaching and attending high school sporting events, stating his actions were "egregious and unacceptable" and would not be tolerated.

The non-prosecution agreement also stipulates that Brunson cannot commit any new crimes and cannot appeal his suspension. The initial investigation by the Nampa Police Department had recommended assault and child injury charges, which could have resulted in a prison sentence of up to 18 months.

While Brunson will not face criminal charges, he has agreed to a lifetime ban from coaching at the Idaho high school level and a one-year ban from attending Idaho high school sporting events. The District Three Board of Control emphasized that his actions were unacceptable and would not be tolerated in the high school sports community.

Key Takeaways

• Former Idaho coach Russell Brunson avoids criminal charges for assaulting 14-year-old wrestler.
• Brunson banned for life from coaching Idaho high school sports and attending events until 2025.
• Brunson claimed he believed his son was in danger, but video showed him punching the wrestler.
• Nampa police recommended assault and child injury charges, which could have led to 18 months in prison.
• Incident highlights need for safe, respectful environments in high school sports and appropriate consequences.