Utah student-athlete punched in the head has been in a hospital for more than a week

A student-athlete at Alta High School has been hospitalized for more than a week after a teammate punched him in the face during a fight.

The boy and another player on the basketball team, both 16, started arguing after an afternoon practice Thursday, said Canyons School District spokesman Jeff Haney. The two walked into the locker room, he added, “after some really physical play” and one began hitting the other.

The district declined to comment on the injury. An initial police report obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune, though, notes that the player then punched the other boy in the head. He had a seizure, as a result, and was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

The police report notes he had a CT scan and has there remained since. Sandy police are now conducting a criminal investigation and may file assault charges.

The district said it is also doing an internal investigation to determine whether any policies were broken and whether either student should be disciplined. Because of privacy rules, though, it has declined to elaborate.

“While the school and district recognize that teenage tempers may flare during activities such as athletics, students still are expected to follow the clearly defined rules of behavior," Haney wrote in a note shared with students and parents on Facebook. "[The district] appreciates your understanding and cooperation as Alta moves forward in a manner that is fair, equitable and respects the privacy rights of students.”