UPDATE: Russell Co. High School baseball coach speaks on criminal charges

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been corrected to more clearly state the results of Rasmus’ October 2021 trial. Quotations initially included in this story have been removed due to claims WTVM is unable to substantiate.

RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - Former Russell County High School baseball coach Tony Rasmus is speaking on criminal charges accusing him of assault.

In February 2021, Rasmus was accused of choking a 16-year-old student, and he was placed on administrative leave.

The jury found him guilty of harassment in October 2021. Rasmus was also found not guilty of third degree assault.

After the October trial, the Russell County School Board rejected a request to fire Rasmus, but voted to suspend Rasmus without pay until June 30.

A judge ruled to overturn Rasmus’ suspension in February.

Rasmus says he is still waiting on the Alabama State Department of Education to rule on his certificate.

According to Associated Press, Rasmus won a state championship at Russell County in 2005 and coached a Phenix City team to the 1999 U.S. championship and runner-up finish in the Little League World Series. Three of his four sons played professional baseball. He won his 500th game as coach in 2008 and has had at least 11 players drafted to Major League Baseball.

Copyright 2022 WTVM. All rights reserved.