
‘Taught to stay quiet’: OK judge rejects plea deal for Ringling coach accused of verbally abusing players
A judge rejected a plea deal for former Ringling coach Phillip Koons, who is accused of verbally abusing players. Koons, facing one count of outraging public decency, entered a no-contest plea in January, but withdrew it after claiming insufficient counsel. His trial is set for later this year. Koons’ accuser’s representative, Tod Mercer, emphasized the emotional difficulty this ongoing case presents for victims and their families.