Florida high school runner considering lawsuit after sucker punch

The high school runner who was sucker-punched in the back of the head during a race last weekend may take legal action, contrary to what was initially reported.

A video went viral this week that showed the ugly incident between two competitors at a high school track meet in Florida. The video clip showed runners competing in the Tohopekaliga Tiger Invitational in Kissimmee, Fla. One runner out in front got chased down by another person, who knocked the first runner down with a big punch to the head. You can see the disturbing clip here.

TMZ was initially told by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office that the runner who was punched did not want to press charges. The perpetrator, who was allegedly angry after he was pushed earlier in the race, also did not want to file a complaint.

Nathan Carter, an attorney for the student who was punched, said that is not true. His client wants to press charges and may also file a lawsuit. Carter said the young man suffered a concussion and is “exploring civil remedies against all those responsible.”

“The family of the victim did want to press charges for this vicious attack and assault caught on video and witnessed by hundreds of people,” Carter said. “The OCSD deputy told the family that if [my client] pressed charges then he would also be arrested for battery. Only because of this threat did the family choose not to press charges.”

Carter added that the incident could have been prevented if the organizers of the track meet had done their jobs.

Florida High School Athletic Association officials are determining what disciplinary action may be taken.