
‘Get his day in court’: After Phil Koons hearing, case heading to jury trial
Jefferson County Judge Dennis Gay allowed Ringling Schools principal and coach Phil Koons to withdraw his no-contest plea, setting a jury trial for September. Koons faces a misdemeanor charge of outraging public decency for alleged verbal abuse of student-athletes. Attorney Tod Mercer, representing victims, said the case has divided Ringling and remains difficult for victims. Koons also faces a related civil lawsuit.