Embattled Ringling coach will head to trial following withdrawal
Phillip Koons, the former Ringling football coach facing abuse accusations, will stand trial later this year after withdrawing his no-contest plea. In a recent hearing, Koons stated he wasn’t aware of the consequences of his plea and lacked adequate counsel. Koons is charged with outraging public decency, and the trial is scheduled after a judge rejected his plea deal. Attorney Tod Mercer, representing the accusers, highlighted the emotional toll on the victims.