Mike wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:12 PM:I hope they file charges so these kids can learn that when they make poor choices there are consequences.

File charges wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:00 PM:Have these kids realized that they just ruined their future with a criminal charge. This is too bad, kids making poor choices and poor decisions. How many times we the parents remind our kids to make good choices, how many times school officials reminds students to be on their best behavior and still there are kids like these boys who thinks it's cool. This quarterback and his friends must and should have used good judgement, they should set good example and be mentors not only to new football players at MVHS but to everyone. Once again, instead of Murrieta teenagers, the headline reads MVHS athletes. It's a shame, first the football coach, now his athletes. Very frustrating and very disappointing indeed. Why are they all in one car, what happened to the Minor drivers license restriction as part of the DMV. These kids are in trouble more than they thinkl. They should not get away with this. It will be unfair for the other kids who are struggling and sometimes considered geeks and try so hard to be accepted with their peers, and here comes a star athlete using poor judgement.Yes they admitted it because they were caught and seen, what would happen if they did not. I hope that Murrieta PD will use justice on this.

mary wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:28 PM:Mike,
Get a life. These are kids that made a mistake and have NEVER been in trouble, you realky want to see a kids life destroyed for a silly mistake. they did not intend to hurt ANYONE, no one is pressing charges, there are no VICTIMS, Mike! Sounds like YOU have some issues to resolve.

john wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:37 PM:wow sound like you happen to have some self esteem issues. I think this is getting blown way out of proportion this was a prank gone wrong. it was the kids ex girlfriend he was only trying to get her attention he didnt realize that california and arizona are the only states in the U.S that actually have a dry ice bomb law and I can garantee you didnt either. I mean come on do you not remember what it was like to be a kid and why do you feel the need to say the star quarterback as if that has anything to do with it. I cant believe you are willing to ruin these kids lifes over one mistake. its ridiculous that the catagorize them as football players i agree. in the end they too are just normal kids who made a mistake.

Duh wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:07 PM:This was not just a mistake, this was a devise meant to hurt some people.
Where did they get the dry ice from?
They obviously knew the plastic bottle would explode and shred into pieces.
Real funny watching your ex-girlfriend get her eyes blown out.

elise wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:42 PM:Interesting...does the school administration monitor the activites of all of its students outside of school? If so they must have their hands full! Why the district would be contacted or even comment is a mystery to me. If a student is picked up for shoplifting or possession does the newspaper contact the school district for4 comment?????

Sarah wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:14 AM:This whole thing is getting blown out of proportion. These kids are in HIGHSCHOOL. It was a stupid prank, and yes it might have been a result of poor judgement. But theses kids had NO intention to hurt anyone. There is no reason to jeopardize their athletic careers over something as small as this.

Uh HELLO wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:23 AM:Why would a professional staff writer even THINK that giving out so much detail, explaining how to make one of these things would be considered appropriate. Sure this dry ice bomb may not as harmful as shooting other kids, but PLEASE........ Can the staff writers THINK a bit before writing this stuff and all but inviting other kids to try this at home? This falls under.. hey.. Geraldo.. lets show everyone where our troops are at.. that would be cool.. on the news so they are targets!!
Man.. I am glad my own kids are all grown .. this is just so ignorant!

citizen wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:45 AM:It is amazing to me how people in this area continue to defend athletes when they commit a crime. How do we know Mary that they have never been in trouble or is it just that they have never been caught and now they have. Would it have been something small Sarah or stupid if a flying piece of plastic had pierced on of the girl's eye and caused blindness. Why they were all in the car together is a great question as that is also against the law. It is time in our society that we step up and teach people to be accountable for their lives, their morgages, for their children and improve the quality of life in our country.

Rambo wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:54 AM:Made my fortune selling copper-inlaid spitoons on the mean streets of Dover and I, too, was an intended victim of some nut throwing a cherry bomb at me. Thank goodness it struck one of my spitoons and missed me!This incident is not "silly" and it is not a "prank."It was a premeditated act of revenge to strike fear into the intended
victim(s. These athletes are brainless punks no different than the so-called Fight Club that terrorized innocent Murrieta victims. The boys who built this "dry ice" bomb should be punished to the full extent of the law. And unlike the wishy washy stance of the district spokesperson who apparantly will not comment on these athletes' future status with the football team, they should be dropped form all sports endeavors and expelled from the district! Put these boys in prison garb and let them seriously think about the potential physical harm they could have caused!

Mom wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:26 AM:I am amazed first that anyone actually thinks that these kids didn't know what they were doing. They didn't TP the house, they made a BOMB. They had to come up with the idea from some where.....I'm sure with the directions there was a little about the harm such a device could cause. I think they should get in trouble. I only hope the parents of the teens are taking this serious and not making excuses for them making a BOMB. Second of all I also don't understand why the paper felt it necessary to pretty much tell the reading public how to make such a thing. Not a really smart move.

Concerned wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:43 AM:It's really easy to sit back and pass judgement on these kids and talk about how they should be punished IF you don't know them. I happen to know all of them, quite well, and I will tell you that these are GOOD kids who made a stupid mistake. If this was your GOOD kid, a kid that you would never dream would do this, and they were facing possible criminal charges that would affect their whole lives, how would you feel then ? I guarantee you MUCH differently !! If you knew the homes these kids came from and the young men they actually are you would not be so cold and callous. And for those comparing them to the fight club...don't even go there. The fight club viciously beat people, broke into homes and cars, used guns and other weapons, etc. - I happen to know a handful of those kids as well and I can tell you, they are Nothing like these kids !! Back when we were kids we did things much worse than this and would never have dreamed of it being taken this far. Do they need to realize how serious this could have been.. Yes. Do they need to have their whole lives ruined because of one small prank where nobody was hurt and there was no intention of harm..absolutely Not. - And leave the school and football officials out of this - their connection with these kids is on school time and on the field Period. They are not responsible for these kids off the field and they are right for not commenting on the case.
And SHAME on the Californian for printing the names of minors who are not even yet charged - what are you thinking ?!?!?!

Parent of a teenager wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:59 AM:First of all everyone is convicting and making judgement without knowing everything. You know what the newspapers and media do to everything they embellish everything. The article said the boys we very remorsefull. In most circumstances these days kids just aren't. Stop and think about what the families are going through and quite being so mean. The newspaper should have never printed minors name to begin with. I'm not saying what the kids did was right and all we can do is be thankful nobody got hurt and stop the what if's. Put yourself in these parents shoes you never know and can never say my child would never do this. It was a very bad prank and yes kids not realizing just how bad of a prank it was.

Paco wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:13 AM:I could be a teenager who did not plan to hurt anyone, but decided it would be cool to drink. I could then get in a car and drive around town. Furthermore, I could get into an accident and kill someone. I would be extremely remorseful about all this, but it would be OK because I didn't mean to really hurt anyone. This is the exact same scenario as these boys. They may be good kids, but they had to realize that making a bomb was dangerous. They showed no regard for the kids who were standing in the yard. If they thought it was funny prank, why didn't they stick around to laugh about it? They just threw it and took off. I don't care if these kids were straight A students and all American athletes. They need to be properly punished for what they did. I don't necessarily think that jail time is warranted, but what would we do if these guys were over 18 years old? They could face terrorism charges. I cannot believe that people are writing this off as a "kids will be kids" attitude. Great examples of parenting.

Bewildered wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:14 AM:I think it is sad that people are defending the actions of others who did in fact do something wrong. Whether or not they had been in trouble before is not the issue. The issue here is that these young men [allegedly] purposely made a "bomb" to scare the girls. They had the intent! They knew what they were doing. Since they knew what they were doing, they need to pay the price for their actions. Regardless of whether or not they have any prior "troubles" is irrelevant - they have now broken the law and need to be held responsible. If society does not hold people responsible for their actions, just think of how much worse off we are going to be? And, if these children get away with it, then it should be okay for any and all people to get away with making bombs and threatening people with them. How does that make sense? You always hear people saying that "we" are too soft on crime - now I know why...too many people wanting to give others another chance since they really didn't mean it! These children need to suffer the consequences of their actions and learn from their actions - it may not be nice for them, but it might make them think twice next time before they do something wrong.

As usual wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:28 AM:Everyone is coming to the defense of the 'SPORTS STARS' because we know that the season is coming up and if these "good kids" are banned from playing then MVHS might have a bad season. Like some have commented here, they [allegedly] made a "bomb" intended to cause harm. Remorse does not bring back lost fingers or worse blindness. Alot of drunk drivers who kill people are "remorseful" too, but they get treated as they should criminals.

Also they are minors meaning that as soon as they turn 18 guess what? their record goes clean, so make them pay the price and move on, but do not push this off as an innocent prank.

Larry wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:48 AM:Wonder if the MVHS football coach will have the guts to suspend these kids from the team for their actions. Previously at Temecula Valley HS, these types of things happened quite often and the former football coach consistently chose to look the other way.

Suzie wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:52 AM:ABSOLUTE IDIOTS!!! THEY DESERVE EXACTLY WHAT THEY GET.

Sportocus wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:57 AM:When I was in high school if word got out you were drinking at a party, you were off the team. At MVHS I guess your time is your time, I wonder if the OLD coach would have tolerated this behavior? Second string start warming up!

sensible wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:05 AM:NO ONE is saying that these kids should not be punished. Absolutely they should and WILL be held accountable. People GET A LIFE!!! The extent of their punishment is the question. ALL of their parents are good parents and have raised good boys. Even good kids make mistakes and can screw up..its called growing up. My gosh you people are ridiculous that want to put the kids away. YES, they HAVE already been suspended from the team. Happy? everyone is so hung up on the fact that they are ATHLETES...there are still normal boys and make mistakes, screw up. If they were in the band or in drama club would you all be making such a fuss? Ahgain they WILL BE PUNISHED. Do you wang to see them hung, would THAT make you happy...GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Concerned wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:09 AM:I truly wish people would stop and think before posting some of their absurd comments. Just once try to put yourself in their shoes. If you think ANYONE here is concerned about having a losing season because these are Star players, then you are the most absurd of ALL !! These are people lives we are talking about - not the next 5 months of their high school football season. The people closest to these kids ARE NOT pushing this off as a silly prank. They know this is serious and believe these kids should be punished...but appropriately.
And to Paco and others who insinuated this...there is a HUGE difference if your innocent prank or stupid decision ends up killing someone !! I am NOT proud to say this but more than once I got in to a car when I probably should not have. I did not get caught and I did not hurt anyone - so should I go admit my stupidity and be send to jail or have a felony on my record. If I would have been unfortunate and did get hurt or hurt someone then I would fully expect to get the book thrown at me. Call it fortunate but NOBODY was hurt. There was NO intention of anyone getting hurt. I have made a thousand stupid and bad decisions in my life, just like these boys, and I am a productive member of society who learned from my mistakes.
And OMG, leave the Football Program out of this - i am so sick of hearing about what the Old Coach would have done or what the new Coach will do - get over it already people. Just like in the case with these kids - people like to pass jusgement thinking they have all the information. Trust me.. I don't care WHO you are, you DON'T have all the information on the Coach situation and you DON'T have all the information on these kids and their situation. And these are two very separate things. If these kids get to play football again then I hope it is a learning experience for them - if they don't then I hope they find another productive way to use their time. It has NOTHING to do with their futures. These families are going through Hell right now and if it were you, I beleive you would hope for a little compassion. Not for people to brush it under the rug...just a little more compassion.

Murrieta Resident wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:15 AM:How sad that we again read about high school students getting into serious trouble. While they thought it to be funny and were remorseful for their actions should not exclude them from punishment. A short jail term and probation would be appropriate, community service, kicked off the football team and or expelled from school. The school says they cannot control what their students do off campus. Yes, they can. As a member of the school's sports program they represent the school. Their behavior in and out of school should count for something. Sends a message. Also, I agree with why were 4 minors in a vehicle? Or are they minors?

Thomas wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:36 AM:Sensible, you may have hit upon a very important point, the parents. Maybe we are looking at the wrong people, maybe we should be looking at the parents and ask ourselves if maybe they permitted their children and step children to perhaps get away with being a little rambunctious because they were athletes.

In Your Shoes wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:39 AM:To the parents of these boys. My boys were teenagers not that long ago. Lord only knows how I lived through that time in their lives. Let me just tell you that I know things seem bleak right now but you all WILL get through this trial. TRUST me when I say I have been there!!! It is not healthy for you to be reading these blogs but I know it is kind of like a car wreck, you don't want to look, you just can't help yourself. Just expect that some people are mean and uncaring in their words. It doesn't matter what those people say about you and your children, they don't know you, the wonderful family you are raising, or the heart and soul of the child you are standing behind at this time. It's important to remember.. they are entitled to their opinions...but they should mean nothing to you. You don't know them, they don't know you - their ignorance comes out loud and clear in their ramblings and you do not need to try to defend against their chatter. I can say all of this becasue i know 2 of these families extremely well and I know your morals and values and how strong your family unit is. Your child made a stupid mistake and I have No Doubt in my mind that he has learned from it. Stick by him and help him own up to whatever punishment he receives. Tell him that things will get better but they may get worse first. Assure him that you are there for him no matter what and his responsibility and what is important now is how he responds.
" It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena - Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to error that counts"
I am praying for all of you boys and families - and specially for those out there who show no compassion in life.

esteban wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:40 AM:Its a known fact that hormones make teenagers do stupid things. My question is where were the parents of these boys. They should have been under stricter supervision. Thats what happens when kids dont have an outlet during the summer. More kid friendly businesses should be built.

involved parent wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:50 AM:Dearest Sportocus,

Gee, thanks for your concern, actually, the "OLD COACH" did call and was very concerned for the boys welfare as he DID REALIZE that it was a prank that went wrong and not a malicious act intended to kill anyone. He even offered to write a letter of recomendation, isn't that nice of him??? Appears that he is a little more understanding than you.

Football Dad wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:51 AM:Hummm, my teenage boys would not participate in this type of behavior and if they did, I would expect them to be punished and not make excuses. I guess I taught them that there are consequences when you act stupid and get caught. MVHS football does not need this bad PR - we are just getting over the Fight Club and Coach Neal removal. These players, starters or not have embarrassed themselves, their families and the football program at MVHS. They are old enough to know better and are selfish. MV FB has lots of good kids who will represent in a positive manner and bring us good football this season.

Mark wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:53 AM:What's with all the delinquents at this high school? Maybe they should just turn it into a juvenile detention center.

Kids will be kids. wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:05 AM:though they should be accountable for their actions. They should have to complete X amount of hours of community service, maybe attend the VA hospital and see first hand how our soldiars were dismembered due to roadside bombs etc. Should they be expelled or suspended from the team, no no no! This was a prank gone bad, they made a dumb mistake, but you can't destroy their HS experience, let the kids play and make them visit the VA and pick up trash on the freeway or talk to younger kids about the dangers of dry ice bombs. Turn this negative into a positive.

to Mark wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:12 AM:There are great kids at this school, stuff happens buddy. Loosen up.

AWAX wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:49 AM:It's pretty funny to hear all the "grown-ups" pretending to be so innocent. Come on! Let us as adults think about the things that went on when we were in high school. Incidents like this were "pranks" back in the day, but now it's considered intent to kill or an act of terrorism. Come on, don't lie, you know we all did some stuff that was just as bad. I actually commend the kids for being so responsive and turning themselves in. That's pretty bold if you ask me. I'm getting tired of hearing people talk about the Temecula/Murrieta area as full of hoodlums and how wrong everything is. So quick to judge, but when's the last time you said hi to your neighbor? Maybe it's our own ignorance and stuck up behavior that convinces people that they are better than they really are. Geez, I'm ranting. Anyways, let's get off the high horse and let these kids carry on with their lives. I think they deserve another chance.

lisa wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:50 AM:First of all, there are about 3,000 kids that attend MVHS. Mark, your comment is ignorant. The boys skrewed up and need fair consequences under the law and need to be dealt with by their coach and most importantly, their parents. With two highschools in ths district and one more coming soon this represents about 8000-9000 kids that live right here in our neighborhoods. I assume most of them have parents. In other words, This is our community you are talking about when you make such a comment. These are the people we walk by at the grocery store or see at a restaurant on a Friday night. For the amount of people that live in this town, there is a very small percentage that are trouble makers. The remaining 99% would truly not apreciate your comment about their school. Walk into a classroom or attend a pep rally or go to a graduation ceremony or a scholarship dinner. Check it out and you will find that your comment would embarrass you.

Cant We All Just Get Along wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:22 PM:These poor young men are being unfairly villified by you insensitive bloggers. All we have here is a little, Dry-Ice molotov cocktail thrown in the direction of some unsuspecting victims that didn't harm a hair on anyone. Give these fine young men a break--they are good football players who are needed on the football field and merely "fumbled" in trying to pull off a funny prank. No one got hurt so it should be no harm-no foul. Give them a talking to but let them have the chance to redeem themselves by letting them lace up those white football shoes in order to lead Murrieta Valley High School to victory. Success on the field wiil ease the memory of this event in the eyes of the so-called victims, give Murrietans a title to be proud of, and these young men can move on to greener pastures.

prankster wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:55 PM:If you believe a dry ice bomb is a harmless little prank, do a search for videos on dry ice bombs on youtube and you will see how potent these things are. The juveniles were lucky they did not hurt anyone.

To Cant we all get along wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:56 PM:You're kidding right? This was not a harmless prank. A water balloon would be a harmless prank (maybe). Remember the the Mom of one of the girls was also there, that in itself is total disrespect to an elder. They don't deserve to be on the football team representing MVHS. I'm sure there are other boys waiting to take their place. They don't set a good example for younger boys. To the parents, yes, stand by your children, but please allow them to accept the punishment for wrong doing. That's how they grow and learn. I have been there, done that. If you coddle now be prepared to coddle for the rest of your life.

It sounds harsh but its for their own good wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:06 PM:Charge them with a misdemeanor & put them to work for the rest of the summer & alcohol test them til they are 21. If they pass the alcohol tests expunge the charges when they turn 21

Do the crime do the time wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:56 PM:Mary, John, Sarah, Parent of a teenager, and other like thinkers scare me more than these delinquents do, by enabling kids.

It hasn't been said in so many words, but I wonder if some are thinking that white suburban kids getting into trouble are just being kids...if they were black or brown inner city kids, they would be gangsters.

Murrieta parents need to get a handle on their kids. This action could have caused more damage than done by those other Pillars of Murrieta youth, the fight club!

charge the kids and parents wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:59 PM:These kids are old enough to understand right from wrong. Help them with discipline. Otherwise, they do not get anything out of this experience.

DB wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:10 PM:MVHS Football is the only victim here. Can they ask for an extension on being charged till after the season,so these fine young men can play in their senior year.

Roughing the Passer wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:17 PM:Sack the Quarterback. These kids need to be treated as though they were skateboarders at the Cal Oaks Park!

To charge the Kand Ps wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:24 PM:Yeah right charge the parents! Where do you keep your kids caged? You folks are products of fear politics "everybody is a potential threat" start thinking for yourself and teach your children to do the same even if it opposes your view!

Do the crime do the time wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:36 PM:what I said an hour ago appears to have offended the sensibilities of the editors.

So, since they don't want to post my thoughts, because I may have been too harsh on the little angels and their upstanding parents, I will change my tune.

Leave the little ones alone!

There, is that better, editor?

Hypocrites wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:48 PM:You parents who want to severely punish these boys for throwing a water bottle out the window are probably the same folks who ride my bumper, sideswipe me on the fwy and cut me off while talking on our cell phones around town. Thank God you didn't hurt/kill me. These boys did a foolish prank and should go to community service (clean up the sports park!) but being arrested, sent to juvie detention and having the Bomb Squad called is a little over the top, even for Murrieta, dontchya think?????

No Men Around wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:53 PM:I notice the "two 18 yr old women, a 17 yr old girl and a 44 yr old Mom" called the cops then stood around staring at the bottle and over reacting to the situation. Maybe if there was a Dad/Boyfriend/StepFather/Man around they would have seen it as a prank and not called the bomb squad. I grew up with five sisters and in my day, my Dad would chase away the boys with a 9 iron!
Would that be child abuse now? Call CPS, women!

to NO MEN AROUND wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:48 PM:read the former girlfriends statement & mabe you'll see why theres no men around.

To Hypocrites No Men Around wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:56 PM:The women did not call the bomb squad. Murrieta PD called them. This was not just a bottle of water. Did you not read the article? No these boys should not go to prison but a few weeks or months in juvenile hall wouldn't hurt plus a whole lot of community service and off the football team. Playing football should be a privilege not a right.

Dave wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:02 PM:I suppose none of you crusaders actually did anything stupid when you were a teenager either...right?

I'm 45 now, and if I did time for everything stupid I did as a kid, then I wouldn't own two businesses now. You have to look at the intent here. They are extremely lucky that nobody was hurt...but jail time??? Get over yourselves folks. It's a good lesson for them to stop and think about potential consequences.

to cant we all just get along wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:18 PM:just because they are good football players they are above the law? If anything else, they should be made and example of and let other kids now that this will no longer be tolerated. Punish the kids and the parents. over 18?

To Dave wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:37 PM:If owning a business (or two) is justification for a criminal based childhood that went unpunished, then we should all leave our doors unlocked to further our youths future business opportunity.

the anchor wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:38 PM:The 4 mvhs football players should not be punished because they did not intend for anyone to get hurt which no one did and they just stopped thinking and made a mistake. They should get no jail time and be able to play for MVHS next season.

Arnys Army wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:45 PM:These politically connected little debutants will adorn the playing field in full regalia so as not to upset the social hierarchy of this valley. This is'nt to harsh is it NCT editor. I know you folks refuse to print the truth.

Nighthawk Parent wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:01 PM:I have not seen mentioned here - one of these players is a Captain. A Captain should act accordingly and there are expectations that go along with that title. I feel the players who respect the Captain have been let down. I hope the school will act in a manner that is justified so no future student athletes will get a notion to bomb, shoot, steal, beat-up or vandazlize any one or any property. I agree with do the crime, do the time. Step up and take your medicine! For the players waiting on the side lines - it's your turn, make us proud!

Football Dad wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:06 PM:To DB - fine young men? fine young men don't get arrested. Fine young men help their community, represent their school in a POSTIVE manner. Fine young men think before they act. Why are they entitled to their "senior year"? They have not earned it! There are talented players who will rise to the occasion and have been waiting for something like this to happen. I say cut the "fine young men" and move on!

Cardiffian wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:20 PM:It's no secret that exceptional atheletes in high school football, baseball and track (the big 3) are exposed to pressures and perks that no normal high school kid will ever experience. Some kids can handle it, some can't. Some parents of those kids can handle it, some can't. Sometimes these kids and parents feel entitled. These boys may be great kids, but their athletic prowess makes them priviliged. They have to be held to a higher standard. The justice system will figure what is appropriate. What concerns me most is the choice these kids made to use a potentially destructive device against an emotional target - an ex-girlfriend. To me this speaks volumes about these kids ability to contain their anger, about their overall emotional maturity, and their ability to put emotional issues in perspective. The only "good" thing about this is that alcohol was not involved. Whatever punishment is handed out, I hope it involves counseling on these issues - I would rather err on the side of caution and have them undergo the counseling than find out in a few years you have a domestic abuser on your hands. This has already been a life changing event for these kids as well as their community, so let's not blow it here and try to make this a learning experience.

No Men Around wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:24 PM:I read the article. It was a bottle of water with dry ice in it. How does that relate to playing football? Does that mean when you run a red light (break the law) you should not be allowed to play golf anymore? It was a stupid prank and, to the boys' credit, they returned to talk to the officers. but "a few months in juvenile hall"? Their intent was not to harm, unlike running a red light. This is an example of the punishment not fitting the crime. People sure are intolerant in Murrieta. Why don't you move to LA where REAL lawbreaking happens.

Here We Go Again wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:42 PM:I certainly hope these boys got an "A" in Science.
Seriously Parents do what you need to do to help your boys. Don't pay attention to the idiots who write negative things, who know nothing about you and your Family. You know what your boys did, they don't. The newspaper is not always right or fair. This incedent hapened 2 weeks ago. Mr Hall had nothing better to write about. The Earth Quake is more recent. I haven't heard anything about that. LOL.

Yeah it was dumb wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:09 PM:and could have ended a lot worse. Still I don't think piling on the charges is the best idea for juveniles. Like several posters have mentioned before, I did alot of really dumb, potentially harmful things when I was a kid. Had I been punished to the letter of the law, I'd still be in jail (not really but you get the picture). How about a misdemeanor charge for littering or peace disturbance or something and expunge the record when they turn 18 or 21 with good behavior?

Having said that, I hope folks who feel like I do also give the same consideration to minority youth picked up on similar charges (dumb, potentially dangerous acts). These very pages are filled with "hang 'em high" sentiments when a mexican kid is caught for graffiti for example (not really as dangerous as the dry-ice bomb BTW). That's a double-standard which smacks of racism if you ask me. How about we give all first time juvenile offenders a break regardless of race, color, religion, money whatever. Make them clean up their mess and be done with it. A lot of us have been there and by the grace of God and good fortune got a break when it was needed.

The older I get the more I realize that teens just don't think the same way adults do. It could be physical, psychological or just the way we put off adulthood until 21 these days. Use these type of incidents as a wake-up call rather than a swan song to their futures.

Fair and Balanced wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:25 PM:An off duty cops shoots a gun outside of a bar and it takes 9 mos. before charges are filed. Four boys throw a water bottle and immediately are arrested on 4 counts of transporation/possession of an explosive device and assault. The law is not dispensed equally in Murrieta or Temecula. Now their families will either cough up exorbitant atty fees or, more likely, have their sons plead guilty and spend time in juvenile hall. This is not justice in America.

Also, I would like to know where do you buy dry ice and how does one put it into a litre bottle? Are the cops sure it wasn't Mentos and a coke?

Escondido resident wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:42 PM:Charge them as adults. Don't let them off the hook just cause they are star football players. they know right from wrong. Charge them as adults

To All Concern wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:20 PM:If anyone has an opinion on this it would be me.. So to start off with my opinion all i have to say is, "what would you have done if you were in me/my moms position?" I know this was a prank gone wrong and thank God nobody was injured but what would your first instict be if someone had thrown a dry-ice bomb at your house? & ESPECIALLY if you were sitting out front your house while this had happened. OFCOURSE you would call the police & to NOTE all you fans of this situation WE DID NOT CALL THE BOMB SQUAD, they showed up when the BOMB exploded while the police were at my house. While my dad is in IRAQ fighting for this country there is a bomb thrown at my house, my mom was scared and was only trying to protect her and her family, not RUIN the "STAR" football players CAREER. How are we suppose to know that they were in the car? All of the people out there posting these obnoxious pathetic comments need to look at the full story & not just the football part of it. I have tried EVERYTHING in my will power to get these boys out of trouble along with my mom but OFCOURSE noone understands or even looks at the situation from OUR point of view. JUST so all of you know my mom & none of the other people that were involved are pressing charges, this is all in the DA's hands. I myself have made stuipd decisions in the past & gotten suspended from school for getting caught toiletpapering & did infact except my consequences. We learn from our mistakes and grow from them. I am now being made out to be the "bad guy" but once again just REALLY put yourself in my position & LOOK at who was out to get who. Im the one who was sitting outside with some friends minding my own buisness & got a dry-ice BOMB thrown at me, & LOOK who you people are putting to fault. I dont want to see anybodys future ruined and have tried everything I can to stop this. So for the last time.. before you start to point fingers & think you know the facts about this whole entire situation you dont, you weren't there.. all you people care about is murrietas football season & hope our victory isnt put to shame.. but would you guys still be thinking about that if someone was put in a hospital bed? So one last time...
Me nor anyone else wants to be affected by this because we are in highschool and we do, do stupid things but just take one moment to rest your feet in my shoes & see how worn out they are from my family trying to get these boys OUT of trouble when they did this to SCARE me. take care :)

Just Wondering wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:43 PM:Just wondering how these kids even knew how to make a Dry Ice BOMB. They must have known the damange that could come from such a device. Just because nothing bad happened and you got caught doesn't mean you didn't do something against the law. I am confused by all the postings from people that think it is okay because nothing really happened. I say a lot did happen the students did something against the law and got caught. Let the legal system work and let this be a lesson to all.

to all concern wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:44 PM:Good for you for speaking out. Thank you for the service of your father and your family to our country. You are the victim and you are right, you could have been injured. You are right as well as you are all in highschool and will see each other in school. However what these boys have done is a serious crime that should serve punishment, I don't know how and what but that is for the DA to decide. There are legal laws in this country, in our State, that even if the victim do not press charges the DA can for breaking the law. This is a serious crime and no one is out there to get these boys and make their lives miserable, they deserve to be punished. Just think about this, if you were there in front of your house and you have not seen these boys, and the bomb exploded and you got hurt and landed in the hospital bed, who will answer for this crime, do you think these so called good boys will come forward and admit that they did it and will be remorsefull, I highly doubt it.Being a military wife myself, I am thankful that nothing happened to you.
I was once in your mother's shoe, having my husband away and I have to put a brave face to my children and not let them know how worried I am to have their dad away serving our country.

Um Wow wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:03 PM:What on god's green earth were these kids thinking? regardless of how stupid it was, this is their first offense of any kind, and they should be given a second chance, how would cutting them from the football team help anything? All it would do is give them more time to do things like this. Perhaps the coach should dicipline them on the field.

to all concern wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:17 PM:thank you for being a mature adult and understanding.. i know this will not be my last time of having to explain myself and my mother's descion in calling the police. its nice to know that they are some people out there that see a whole picture instead of just bits and pieces. i apologize to all the families that are involved in this, and never would i want to see any of your boys ( my classmates ) lifes ruined of a prank that was just meant to scare me... my mother & i have only heard from one parent, and only one boy has seemed remorseful, the rest, seem to be laughing it off, but i'm not writting this to attack any of the boys that were involved, i'm writting this to make everyone understand that there are other veiws, and ANOTHER side of the story. sorry to break it to everybody but football, its not EVERYTHING, the next 5 months i can almost guarentee that this will not be talked about, and everyone will go on with their lives.. as 3 of us are about to begin our senior year of highschool, this issue is something that does not need to be blown up anymore that it already has. i hope all of you will open your eyes to the other side and finally realize that it just wasn't a "dry ice bomb" it could of just hurt someone and not only, my mom, my two friends or me, but it could of hurt the 4 boys in the car that night.

slappy wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:07 PM:this is something kids learn in 7th grade physical science class. Heck back in my day we used to bring m80s to school and light them off at basketball games inside the gym. no one got hurt and the cops were not called. this is just kids being kids let it go we are not dealing with Carlos the Jackel heer

nighthawk parent wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:08 PM:i heard thru other players that the girlfriend and her family gave this boy a cell phone, gym membership and pretty much took care of him...what a way to show he was greatful...lets throw a bomb at her

To all concered wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:19 PM:Well young lady it say's in the article you new exactly who it was that threw the bottle on your lawn. It states that you called them and told them to come back cause you called the police on them. If this was an ex boyfriend then why didn't your mother call his parents and complain instead of getting the police involved. I understand that it exploded after the officers were already there give me a break tell the truth you wanted to see them get into trouble just like you had been by tp-ing someone's house.This will affect these young mans lives for a very long time now because of a grudge a bad break-up or him just not liking you any more. Mom should have called the parent not the cops or went to there house no excuses. Another thing stop mentioning the fight club young men they have nothing to do with this. And this is definatly not a school issue it was done of campus during summer break school officials should have nothing to say many kids break laws away from school and the school never finds out or needs to know. I'm sorry you'll have to live this down the rest of your senior year too. So have a great one i'm sure you can't wait till 8/13.

Dont Place Blame wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:33 PM:People need to stop accusing the mother and her daughter for this mess the boys got themselves into. The cops were called because one, it was a bomb fizzing in front of the house, and two, it came very close to hitting the girls and mother who were outside. Very close. The cops were not called simply to get the offenders in trouble, but to contain the unknown bomb and keep it from harming the house, the cars it was next to, and most importantly the people who were outside. The mother and daughter and trying very hard not to pursue punishment for the boys, but who goes to say that the other two girls will do the same? Everyone needs to stop placing guilt and blame on the mother and daughter and be worried about the DA pressing charges, because whether or not mom and daughter press charges doesn't mean the other two girls, the DA or potentially even the officers that felt threatened when the bomb blew up will not follow through with the case. The consequences seem harsh and hopefully they get lighter but its truly in the DA's hands for now.

Football Dad wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:10 PM:To all concerned - are you kidding me?? Calling the police was the right thing to do. I hope the school does not sweep this under the turf at MVHS. The Principle will have another big decision on her hands. Why would you turn this around on the family who was targeted? It's her fault they made a bad choice? I support this young lady and her family. These players are not 10 years old, for God sake, stop the win at all costs attitude. They screwed up and now have to pay the price - that's life.

Nighthawk Parent wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:20 PM:To the young lady on the message board you may want to consult your attorney before posting your take on the events of that night, as it may be added to the case. I feel for you and your family. Please be careful of your postings as they may be requested via subpeona

Jeff wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:47 AM:I find it hard to believe that anyone, including the negative posters here, would not call the police if someone threw a dry ice bomb at them. Once the police are called, they will investigate the crime and arrest the people who did it if they find out who it is.

Believe it or not, dry ice bombs can hurt people. If you have any doubts, do a search on youtube and watch some videos. Incidentally, I'd be willing to bet that youtube is the venue that these kids learned to make a dry ice bomb in the first place.

I have a seventeen year old son. Upon reading this article, I asked him "Would you ever make a dry ice bomb and throw it at someone?" The answer was a quick and steady "No". I'd like to think his "No" answer is a result of his parents instilling a sense of right and wrong in his head. This boils down to a little common sense.

These boys might not need to be thrown in prison for this, but they need to be held accountable for their stupidity. I do applaud them for having the courage to return to the scene and own up to what they did. That is the first step toward atonement.

probably wont print wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:55 AM:wow, wonder why this article has changed sooo much from the original article? Did the editor realize he had screwed up big time, did he had an inside source with mis-information? ... Just wondering

Voice of Reason wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:59 AM:It all sounds very petty and unnecessary and yet again, a waste of taxpayer's money as it's "in the hands of the DA". It was a prank, not a jailable offense. The cops should not have been involved. Playing football should not be an issue. Learning their lesson, apologizing and moving on is what's best. Some community service. There is too much whining going on between all parties involved. Since when do we need cops to solve all of our problems?

Have a nice day. wrote on Jul 31, 2008 6:18 AM:The DA will NOT press charges on his own. He will let the alleged victims decide if charges are filed or NOT.

Let this topic die. It's a complete JOKE!

BTW: When is that Morman school opening up? That way a lot of you can live in a Giant plastic bottle of your very own.

Have nice day.

To have a nice day wrote on Jul 31, 2008 7:45 AM:This is not a joke at all. It is very serious ... And what’s with the Moman innuendo? If more of you were LDS, we wouldn’t have such problem in society. We already have schools. They’re called public schools. Maybe you and your children should leave it if you don’t like them.

Crazy Thinking wrote on Jul 31, 2008 7:45 AM:to the 7-30 10:19pm post Blame the victim for living. You are scary.

Solution.... wrote on Jul 31, 2008 7:47 AM:There is a simple solution to this problem. The victim says her father is serving in Iraq. Why don't we cart these pranksters over to Camp Pendleton and let them visit with the soldiers who have had their legs blown off, their eyes put out, their bodies riddled with shrapnel from a little ol' bomb. Maybe that will help them to understand that there is a difference between making an explosive device as a prank and toilet papering a house.

LOL wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:30 AM:Ok, so let me get this straight. Since nobody got hurt, it equals a "harmless prank". Kids will be kids, they didn't intend to hurt anybody, blah, blah, blah. But what if someone DID get hurt? Still a "harmless prank"? Toilet papering someone's house is a harmless prank, not assembling something that can cause minor/major injuries.

Jake wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:44 AM:Ah, school must be starting again - MVHS students being arrested and being defended as "good kids" - where have we heard this song before? Well, it was right at MVHS with the misunderstood Fight Club kids ! I'm sure the parent and friends will line up to weep how the lives of these exceedingly good upstanding young men is ruined with the felony "prank" gone overcharged by the DA and MPD. ...

again wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:05 AM:These boys have nothing to do with the Fight Club, so leave them out of this.

Good lesson wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:17 AM:I like "Solutions" solution. Let these young men see the consequences if the plastic bottle did explode and hurt someone. But c'mon people. Putting these young men through the court system is not the answer.
I'm ready to move out of Murr/Tem. The cops are out of control and the DA ofc pattern of over charging for petty crimes is a big fat bloated waste, just like RivCo Sheriff Department.

dumbfounded wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:29 AM:Wow, I am impressed with the ability of so many writers to rationalize this event as boys will be boys. I especially like the, in my day this would just be a prank writers. When the heck did you grow up? I am 55 and in my day, this would NOT be considered a prank. Rationalize away, I am just happy this "water bottle" didn't harm any of the victims. And by the way, I have 16 and 17 year old football players at a nearby school, and they are amazed at the stupidity of the boys involve.

Ill bet ya wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:32 AM:I'd bet anything that the majority of the letters supporting these boys are from one of their parents, their neighbor, family friend or relative. Because, seriously, no one else in their right mind would think this was just a harmless prank that the victims sensationalized.

Jake wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:41 AM:Wait a minute, I forgot...I thought Coach Neal's football program only created fine, upstanding individuals ? MVHS has a bad smell to it - and with the FightClub scandal and now this, something needs to be thrown out.

Just Imagine wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:27 AM:Just imagine how different this story would be if the kids were of middle eastern decent...all the right-wing nut-jobs would be screaming terrorist.

Susan wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:28 AM:Since when does the terrorist tactic of throwing a bomb at people qualify as a funny prank? Is this only a "silly mistake" because no one was injured? Place yourself in the shoes of these girls and mother - how would you feel?

to Nighthawk Parent wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:39 AM:Already the attorney mouthpieces have to give caution. First, we need cops to handle petty arguments, DA's to exaggerate and pile on charges and the wisdom of lawyers to doublespeak for us. Or maybe the "victims" can sue TVUSD, the high school or even the store that sold dry ice. Because no one wants to be accountable nor will mere remorse and apology do. Someone must pay.

A bigger concern wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:46 AM:When reading blogs posted concerning Murrieta (and the entire region of SW Riverside County, covered by the Californian), start paying attention to how some posts appear, and then disappear.

It seems the guy at the delete key at the Californian has spent more time in subscription sales than real journalism, and doesn't have much of a stomach for the opinions of anyone who is not a cheer leader for the communities.

But, hey, maybe its me...I'd be interested to know if anyone else has had the same thoughts.

A son with his finger gone wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:04 AM:It was a prank against his ex girlfriend? They just happened to make a dry ice bomb, just happened to drive by the girls house, and then come back again, and just wanted to scare her and her friends.
A college prank with dry ice thrown into the outside dorm area, exploded and severely damaged my son's finger and his hearing...It was a prank, no intent to harm anyone, but he can no longer follow his dream to go into the military because he has lost the use of his finger and partial hearing..the DA in that state pressed charges, and my son had to go to court as a witness, the judge asked him what he thinks the punishment should be...my son said the minimum, and the young man was thankful..that boy was messing around with no intent to harm...
These boys found her house, admitted to wanting to scare her, and were lucky they didn't cause permanent damage. They are old enough to be held accountable for their actions, their intent. This should be a lesson to others.
I agree, if it was "skater" boys that did this, and not "football Players" this would have been seen has a harmful crime from all involved.

To to all concerned post wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:39 AM:"Can't wait until 8/13" kinda sounds like a threat huh at least it would to me. As a parent in today's world if someone threw a dry ice bomb on my lawn I could bet you the cops would be called immediately. No one deserves to have this happen. You blame the girl for a bad break up, or what ever. SHE was at home. It was the boys that came calling for trouble. SHE was at home. Typical ignorance parent/or boy trying to put the blame on anyone except the responsible party.......in this case the boys. I hope this girl is not harassed by anyone come 8/13. I can see trouble lying ahead. I think this girls deserves nothing less than respect. I hope every parent at MVHS talks to their child and teaches them that harassing this girl, could bring trouble to them.

Please folks watch the posting there are a lot of kids reading these and once again, blaming the girl like this poster did is unacceptable.

emma wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:58 AM:yes, the boys made a mistake. Its life. It happens. But to everyone making judgements about these boys causing problems and being bad kids need to think again. They arent bad kids and they arent criminals. Penalizing them by taking away their football season is rediculous. It happened outside of school! The school should not even be involved. Dont get me wrong, they do deserve some kind of punishment, community service etc, but going into their school like is obsured. Everybody can state their opinions about punishment but dont judge these boys unless you know them. You wouldnt want people who knew nothing about your kids judging them would you?

Murrieta Resident wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:34 PM:It is amazing how many people put up comments without thinking. These boys did a prank and yeah it went wrong, and now they should face up the consequences. Because of this prank people could have been seriously injured. In this case, yes the police should be called.

To All wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:39 PM:First, the police do not make up charges, they follow the California Penal Code. Second, if the DA's office decides to proceed, the victims have no say in the matter. It is not up to them to press charges or not.

Dry ice can be obtained at Smart and Final. The internet is your source for "how to" as well as other avenues. How about a science class??

This was not just a teenage prank. And yes, teenage brains are not fully developed with common sense.

Now, I understand that the Dad of one teen is in Iraq so now he has something else to worry about. His own family being injured or worse.

Yes, these boys need to be punished in some way.

A bigger cocern fan wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:08 PM:Yes, i too did notice how some of the comments have been deleted since this hit the newspaper...and heaven forbid we should say which blogs have disappeared, hey who knows maybe this will not even hit the blog...can we say "political" power?

A wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:34 PM:My comment never even showed up. I never write mean comments. All I had to say was that the difference between prank and bomb are very different. It is getting minimized because nobody got hurt. That's a huge chance for 4 boys to take when they throw a bomb at people rather than an empty lot. There should be a punishment and a sincere apology.

Doug wrote on Jul 31, 2008 2:22 PM:Those kids (children) made a mistake, and they should pay the Full penalty.
Nice story....Keep up the good work!

M.V. CITIZEN wrote on Jul 31, 2008 2:38 PM:Why is this story coming out 2 weeks after the fact? Why are the names of minors being printed? These kids were already in the process of getting their punishment. Someone decided to make this public to put pressure on the coach's, D.A., & principal, to keep them from playing ball. This family forgave them, Let the justice system take it's course. Leave the kids alone!

Jim wrote on Jul 31, 2008 3:22 PM:How unusual. Athletes act like thuggish criminals and apologists don't want them to get punished for it ...

esteban wrote on Jul 31, 2008 3:26 PM:Punish the kids after football season. Nobody got hurt. No harm no foul. Community service in the dead of winter should be punishment enough. Society is getting too sensitive. There is worse violence going on in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Cowards wrote on Jul 31, 2008 3:42 PM:These football studs are cowards, plain and simple.
They knew that the father of this girl wasn't home.
If this wasn't bad enough, I'm reading that he is serving our country in Iraq. Can't even be there to protect his family when he's gone. This makes me sick to my stomach!!!
You bet the mother did the right thing by calling the police...some of you morons have lost your mind!
I hope these guys are punished severely!
Definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror).
Is that supposed to be funny guys???

Why wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:27 PM:Why does the headline need to state they are athletes? Being an athlete had nothing to do with the story. If the kids had been in the band, would the headline read: MVHS Band Members arrested? Being an athlete made the story more interesting and gave the paper it's sensational headline. The word athlete also brought out alot of angry grownups who obviously have some issues with the word. Maybe thats why the paper used it?

Good observation wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:49 PM:I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the timing of the article and that the first word of the heading was MVHS. This had nothing to do w/school or football. A friend of my son's was showing him a bb gun, which he wasn't allowed to play with but snuck it out. It went off, hitting my son right above the eye. It bled badly but no serious damage. We were upset when we spoke to the parents but they took away his gun and had him perform community service at the Boys&Girls club to teach him all actions, even stupid, accidental ones, have consequences. Punishing these boys in the juvie system, hiring attys, going to trial or jail is too harsh. There are a lot of Angry Murrieta Residents out there, which is very sad. Show some compassion.

Idea wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:54 PM:Want to REALLY punish these football players? Make them play for SDSU when they graduate.

Jim wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:00 PM:People can take sides and preach thier point all they want, It doesn't matter. The DA identified in the article are more than fair and have nothing but a juveniles best interest at heart. She and her professional staff always have the best interest of juveniles making less than smart choices at stake.

Cardiffian wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:17 PM:The fact that they are athletes has alot to do with the story. Especially the fact that they are such prominant athletes. These boys should be and are held to a different and higher standard. They are role models for other students and the community. This is also why we publicly praise athletes like these kids when they have high grade point averages. If these were average kids with average grades, we wouldn't hear about it. I think most of the posters here get that....

AWED wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:28 PM:Everyone gets to be kids once in their lifetime. Naturally, we would learn from mistakes that we make. Teaching others the mistakes that are made, this mistake these athletes made was something that was not thought of but has been occurring everywhere that no one thought of. Even it has occurred, it does not mean they intended to hurt anyone but to scare them, had made some poor judgments in how they would do that. We all have made poor judgments in our lives, does that mean we all have to go to jail for the poor judgments we make?

They are teens who thought it would not happen but it almost hurt the people they thought wouldn't so that must have scared them as well, knowing they didn't mean to hurt anyone. Would you intend to hurt anyone when you are trying to be funny or doing a prank on somebody?

It is just a prank that went terribly wrong for them and they should really be glad they didn't injure or kill anyone intentionally.

They should be punished reasonably, not send them to jail. For they didn't kill or injure anyone. They should do COMMUNITY SERVICE by telling others what would the dry ice bomb do to people. Teach its dangers and tell them to avoid it at all cost.

just wondering about how wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:35 PM:Everyone gets to be kids once in their lifetime. Naturally, we would learn from mistakes that we make. Teaching others the mistakes that are made, this mistake these athletes made was something that was not thought of but has been occurring everywhere that no one thought of. Even it has occurred, it does not mean they intended to hurt anyone but to scare them, had made some poor judgments in how they would do that. We all have made poor judgments in our lives, does that mean we all have to go to jail for the poor judgments we make?

They are teens who thought it would not happen but it almost hurt the people they thought wouldn't so that must have scared them as well, knowing they didn't mean to hurt anyone. Would you intend to hurt anyone when you are trying to be funny or doing a prank on somebody?

It is just a prank that went terribly wrong for them and they should really be glad they didn't injure or kill anyone intentionally.

They should be punished reasonably, not send them to jail. For they didn't kill or injure anyone. They should do COMMUNITY SERVICE by telling others what would the dry ice bomb do to people. Teach its dangers and tell them to avoid it at all cost.

football dad wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:25 PM:Some good points raised here. Lets not sugar coat what they did so they can play football. Of course, I don't think together they have a combined 2.0 gpa! So, perhaps football is the only thing going for them. I think the majority of the bloggers would agree the act was wrong and they will be punished, I doubt jail time. Pay back is a "B". Perhaps the QB threw his last pass out of a car window that night. Choices people, choices.

something wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:15 PM:And this is why kids are so messed up these day, majority of adults don't want to make them own up to their actions.

MVHS hand book wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:32 PM:C. On Campus and in the Community
A high school athlete:
1. Demonstrates a high standard of conduct, as it reflects not only on
oneself, but one’s team , coach and school.
2. Maintains “good citizenship” by not being involved in any criminal
activity.
3. Any acts of vandalism will result in appropriate disciplinary action
being taken.

murrietadad wrote on Aug 1, 2008 8:20 AM:Punk football losers!!! The coaches teach them that normal rules don't apply to them, and there is little expectation with regard to grades. Do you see band kids doing this crap?

IN the WORDS OF GOD. wrote on Aug 1, 2008 12:40 PM:RESTATED:

(Leviticus 19:18; Romans 12:19-13:7)

"Punishment should be the prerogative of the government/community, not of the individual. No matter how heinous the crime, retaliation just to settle a personal vendetta, is contrary to biblical principles. Proponents of capital punishment give three possible reasons to mandate the ultimate sentence: (1) deterrence of potential offenders who might be inclined to commit a major crime, (2) deterrence of a criminal who if free might repeat the same offense; an executed murderer could not murder again, (3) retribution or repayment to victims or society for losses sustained because of the crime."

Did these boys commit any of these 3??

i think NOT.
Murrieta, GROW UP.

TO MVHS handbook wrote on Aug 1, 2008 1:49 PM:If you want to argue from the book:
1.They did something stupid, took accountability for it, spoke to the police and showed remorse, demonstrating good citizenship
2. It is up to the DA to define it as a criminal act but it should not be as there was no intent to harm
3. This act was not vandalism as defined by willful and malicious act of destructive of private or public property
The lack of rational thinking or compassion in Murrieta is frightening.

look at this wrote on Aug 1, 2008 3:06 PM:Look at this article and how the victim responded. I wish we had these kinds of people here in Murrieta. Go figure



No TV, video games for girls who trashed home

Chick-fil-A restaurant founder S. Truett Cathy has decided two girls accused of causing $30,000 in damage to his home should be punished with a writing assignment instead of charges.

In a deal Cathy worked out with their parents, the girls must write "I will not vandalize other people's property" 1,000 times. They're also banned from watching TV and playing video games and must read a good book.

New Smyrna Beach police told the Daytona Beach News-Journal the preteens broke into Cathy's home two weeks ago and sprayed fire extinguishers, threw eggs and left water running in the kitchen.

The 87-year-old Cathy _ who founded the fast food chain known for its cow billboards _ said he didn't want to prosecute the girls and leave them with a criminal record.

English classmate wrote on Aug 1, 2008 4:27 PM:I am verry dissapointed to hear about what has happened.. I feel verry sorry for the victums family as well as anyone else involved..
i know firshand that the boys would never try to intentionally hurt anyone. The all have good hearts. I am not saying that what they did is ok, and which it certainly is not, and the proper consequences should be brought to them. Whatever MVHS and MPD decide to do will be ion their hands. I really dislike that everyone tyhinks that somehow these comments are going to change the outcome of what is going to happen. Most of what has happened has been decided for, and will lie in the hands of those involved..

I hope everything works out..

~ a concerned friend
=]

Football Dad wrote on Aug 1, 2008 6:12 PM:To the Hand book comment - RIGHT ON!!!
The players are REQUIRED to READ and SIGN it!! Furthermore, if they cannot participate until the hand book is signed and turned in that should say it all. I know these players pretty well and I know they are not mean spirited, but they screwed up - life is not fair and this will teach them to think before they act. I have to laugh at the Bible verse comment, but what if one of these kids is of the Jewish faith? or Morman? I understand, but Bible verses?

Unbelievable wrote on Aug 1, 2008 10:49 PM:Football dad you are a piece of work with a chip on your shoulder. Probably never good enough to play in hight school and want everyone to suffer. Get a grip

Citizen wrote on Aug 1, 2008 11:28 PM:Funny how there is no mention of the victim following the suspects as they drove away. Then confronting them after they stopped. She must have been out of her mind with fear to leave her poor mother and friends to follows these scary bomb throwers. Print the whole story and not the just the juicy parts. Since when is it ok to print the names of juveniles???

Football Dad wrote on Aug 1, 2008 11:59 PM:Unbelieveable, get a grip on what? My HS career has what to do with this? I'll tell you one thing - I was never this stupid! Suffer? You mean like the young lady who is being terriorized? Nope, just think these individuals should take their medicine - the old saying....dish it out but can't take it...they hurt the team...

Good Observation wrote on Aug 2, 2008 11:38 AM:I fail to see what this has to do w/ football. And the above comment about being "terrorized" is out of proportion. Since the cops were called, I assume some penalty will have to be paid. I hope the DA in charge, Ms. Marquez, will use her yrs as a juvie prosecutor to put this in perspective, not file criminal charges, yet have these young men plead to a misdemeanor and participate in community service. In the meantime, the above posting is correct. So many of you have a chip on your shoulder. They should be accountable, yes, but we are talking about kids, teens, young adults. Give them a break and quit being so sanctimonious. Look it up if you don't know what it means!

tomurrieta wrote on Aug 2, 2008 3:30 PM:So.... if these kids commited a crime for the benefit of a group (football team), where is the gang enhancement!? I WANNA SEE A GANG ENHANCEMENT!

murrietadad wrote on Aug 2, 2008 3:58 PM:You guys defending and rationalizing these punks need to get a life. It is so typical for the adults now living through their kids football experiences to come to their defense. Community service, a fine, write an essay, anything but getting kicked off the team.

God bless Murrieta football!!!!

English Classmate wrote on Aug 2, 2008 5:58 PM:ok.. this is really getting way blown out of proportion. It is really sad that most of you think they should get the maximum pentalty.
This was just a prank gone wrong. Leave football out of this. They did not do anything while they were on school grounds and i think this is rediculous to get the school into it.

Just think if you kid got a ticket for speeding, and then the school was notified and they were kicked off the team.. That would be dumb. And you would be mad.
This is just a prank gone wrong, and yeah they should not have done it, and they should get consequences.. but leave the school out of it... Lets not ruin the rest of their lives.. come on everyone has done something they have regreted.

~ A concerned friend.
=]

wrote on Aug 2, 2008 6:01 PM:oh

murtown wrote on Aug 2, 2008 6:03 PM:oh

great school wrote on Aug 2, 2008 6:56 PM:Only at MV what a great school

Batter Up wrote on Aug 2, 2008 7:46 PM:Believe me ,it won't matter if these guys play or not, MV don't have a chance in a Hott place of winning any league games. Let them play so we don't have to hear an excuse.

omg wrote on Aug 2, 2008 9:58 PM:if anyone thinks these boys dont deserve jail time, go take a look at youtube and look at the destructive power of a dry ice bomb. These things are incredibly dangerous, whether or not they "intended" to hurt their victims, the object they used for this so called "prank" easily had the power to maim or perhaps kill, and if it weren't for the police arriving and advising the victims to step away, bodily harm would have surely occured. The DA should give involved and make an example out of these boys and discourage this happening again. Fine young men? Fine young men dont use explosives to terrorize women, they are nothing more than cowards. As atheletes they should be setting am example for society, not highlighting the worst aspects of it.

to English classmate wrote on Aug 2, 2008 11:16 PM:r u seriuosly comparing this to a speeding ticket???u have got to be joking

to English classmate wrote on Aug 2, 2008 11:27 PM:r u seriuosly comparing this to a speeding ticket???u have got to be joking

T wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:17 AM:to people blaming the victim and her mother: it's not up to them if or what charges can be filed. If the officers did NOT come and tell them to get back from the bottle, who knows what would have happened! Leave the girl alone!!

dildo man wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:02 PM:ya murrieta rocks

NCT editor wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:46 AM:You would actually publish a post by the name of DILDO man?!?
What are you thinking?

The Good Citizen wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:31 AM:I hope these were the four people arrested at the check point friday night. Great work Frosebee (aka; Robocop)

Nothing New wrote on Aug 4, 2008 2:31 PM:Too many people in Murrieta blow everything out of proportion. I'll never forget the day the police showed up at my door telling me that they were called on my son because he had a gun. We don't own a gun and it took me a bit to realize that our neighbors called the cops because my son (who was then in 5th grade) showed the neighbor kids the antique rifle given to him by his grandfather. The firing pin had been removed and there is no way that the gun could be made to fire. Not only that, but it was a black powder gun and was bigger than he was at the time. My son showed it to them because he was proud of it. They weren't anywhere near it (they saw it through our backyard fence), he didn't let any of them touch it, and he immediately put it away after they saw it.

Instead of the parents asking me about the incident, they called 911 and I had cops swarm my house like we were a bunch of criminals - with their hands on their guns as they knocked on my door. I showed the cop the rifle and after he got done ooohing and aaahing over it, even he said that it was ridiculous that they were called. When the cop took us to the neighbor's house to explain the situation, he told them that they plainly overreacted.

I'm not saying the family was wrong to call the police in this situation because I would have done the same. The reason I told this story is to show that there are many people in Murrieta who call the cops at the drop of a hat because they don't know how to handle their own problems. I think it would be prudent for the citizens of Murrieta to deal with the little stuff so our police can protect us more efficiently from the things we really have to worry about.

Let it go- wrote on Aug 4, 2008 2:47 PM:These kids are football players and deserve special treatment over all the other regular kids. They work very hard to represent the school, not like some child doing nothing but their schoolwork each day; big deal. Get over it and don't be jealous.

GET OVER IT wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:05 PM:THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THEN FOOTBALL..

goodc wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:11 PM:these kids are on the wrong path. they were being courted by collge football scouts. they also have stolen golf carts and don't seem to learn from their mistakes.

NIGHTHAWK FOOTBALL wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:54 PM:NIGHTHAWK FOOTBALL
Athlete's Agreement
The following agreement must be signed by both the athlete and the parent, and its conditions understood before
the athlete is allowed to continue participating in the Murrieta Valley High School Football Program.
It is understood that:
1. I will be a part of the off-season program. This includes athletes in other sports. (Two workouts a week)
This is for the athlete’s safety. Football is a collision sport that requires physical strength to minimize the risk
of injury. Non participation in the off-season will result in a two game suspension.
2. I do realize that my conduct on and off the campus will affect my participation in the football program.
An athlete found to be using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in the off season will be required to attend an
appropriate educational program to maintain his eligibility in the program. The offending athlete will also
serve a two game suspension. A second offence will result in the removal from the program until the
following off-season.
An athlete found to be in violation of the following rules may be removed from the program. He may
apply for reinstatement the following off-season.
 an athlete's behavior, attendance, and promptness during the season is found to be detrimental to
the program
 an athlete’s behavior, attitude, and academic progress is detrimental to the program
 a athlete is participating in criminal activities
3. I will arrange my schedule (this includes non-school activities) so that I may attend spring football practice.
(May 16th – June 6th / 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. approximately). See FB calendar for exact days and times. Non
participation in spring football will result in a one game suspension.
4. To be eligible for football in the fall, I realize that it is necessary to pass 20 credits with a 2.0 grade point
average during the second semester.
5. I will attend the summer football camp. (June 23rd – July 19th / all exceptions need to be cleared with Coach
Neal.) We will work with other sports so multi-sport athletes can participate in other sports. It is important to
remember, however, that football is just a short time away at this point and the athlete’s emphasis should be
on football. Non participation in summer football will result in a two game suspension.
6. I will be available for the start of fall football on August 11 th.
We have read the above conditions. We understand and agree to adhere to the policies of the Murrieta
Valley High School Football Program.
Student’s Signature______________________ Parent Signature______________________

NIGHTHAWK FOOTBALL wrote on Aug 8, 2008 4:18 PM:2. I do realize that my conduct on and off the campus will affect my participation in the football program.
.
.
.
An athlete found to be in violation of the following rules may be removed from the program. He may apply for reinstatement the following off-season.

an athlete's behavior, attendance, and promptness during the season is found to be detrimental to the program.


All of the above in the
"NIGHTHAWK FOOTBALL Athlete's Agreement"

t wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:08 PM:i wonder why everyone is only worried about the boys and their familys what about the girl and her friends and the mom has anyone thought about them im sure not its all about football and the boys

murrieta parent wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:58 PM:why does the school have the athletes sign these froms if the arent going to uphold the rules ...the principal needs to be remove

slap on the hand wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:07 PM:is all the boys got

40 hrs community service
5 pages essay and 1 pg apologize letter

thats nothing