AP and staff reports

The New Lexington police chief will not be charged after the attack of a high school football coach at a playoff game held in Chesapeake, Lawrence County prosecutor J.

Thursday, November 22, 2001

The New Lexington police chief will not be charged after the attack of a high school football coach at a playoff game held in Chesapeake, Lawrence County prosecutor J.B. Collier Jr. said.

Police Chief Jeffrey Newlon and his brother Kerry Newlon confronted Crooksville head football coach Doug Clifford after the Chesapeake vs. Crooksville game on Nov. 2 as fans rushed the field to celebrate the team’s playoff victory.

Lawrence County Prosecutor J.B. Collier Jr. said his office has decided not to file charges against Jeffrey Newlon after an investigation revealed he did not hit Clifford.

"He may have been the spark that started the fire but the evidence does not point to him striking or actually attacking the coach," Collier said.

Last week, Kerry Newlon, 39, of Blue Rock, was charged with assault for allegedly hitting Clifford, Collier said. Kerry Newlon faces up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

Collier has said the Newlons were angry with Clifford because of the amount of playing time Jeffery Newlon’s son received.

Clifford sustained a cut over his left eye and a dislocated shoulder in the altercation.