A Springstead High student was arrested after deputies said he attacked another teen while playing basketball.
By DUANE BOURNE
Published May 4, 2004
SPRING HILL - A 17-year-old Springstead High School student did not cry foul when his shot was blocked during a pickup basketball game on Friday.
Instead, authorities said, Nathaniel Rivera grabbed Corry Fromknecht, 16, in a bear hug and slammed him to the gym floor, injuring the teen's head and neck.
Now, Rivera has to deal with another penalty of sorts. He was charged with battery as a result of the attack. The victim's father wanted to press charges, a sheriff's report stated.
The incident occurred about 2 p.m. Friday when Rivera, Fromknecht and two others were playing basketball in the Springstead High gymnasium.
During the game, Rivera tried to shoot a layup and Fromknecht swatted the shot, the report said.
As Fromknecht tried to retrieve the ball, Rivera allegedly grabbed him from behind and slammed him to the ground. By the time paramedics arrived, Fromknecht had regained consciousness. He was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
After being interviewed, Rivera waived his Miranda rights and told a sheriff's deputy that he picked up Fromknecht because he was upset over his poor play and the blocked shot.
He was arrested and charged with the third-degree felony. He was booked into Hernando County Jail, and later released into his father's custody, having qualified for house arrest.
Fromknecht's father told authorities that his son was doing well, but may be admitted to the hospital overnight for observation.
