PALESTINE - The altercation between two Palestine students after football practice that ended with one arrested and one hospitalized with severe facial injuries stemmed from an argument about money, according to the Palestine Police Department.
According to a police report released Friday, Le'George Marquez Gray, 17, confronted Michael Stanczak, 18, about money Stanczak owed after losing a basketball game. Stanczak stated he'd get the $5 he owed to Gray when he could, and Gray then started pushing him trying to instigate a fight and started punching him, according to the report.
A witness stated "Stanczak wrapped Gray up and was not trying to fight back," and that he and other teammates pulled the two apart.
Gray was arrested Thursday on an aggravated assault charge and booked into the Anderson County Jail.
Stanczak remained in ICU at a Dallas hospital Friday, having undergone surgery for injuries that include a broken nose and jaw, according to his family. His mother, Angie, said her son's face was shattered but they love and forgive Gray.
Palestine ISD released the following statement about the incident:
"Two Palestine High School students were involved in an altercation Wednesday afternoon. One student received significant injuries. Palestine High School and Palestine High School Athletic Department are investigating the situation and will make disciplinary decisions based on the student code of conduct and athletic handbook. Additionally, the school resource officer in conjunction with the Palestine Police Department made an arrest Thursday afternoon. Any criminal decision will be made independently and separately from Palestine ISD."
