Judge sentences Niles teen

The victim and his family said they are satisfied.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A Niles teen-ager will spend one to 90 days under court detention and cannot play soccer until after he completes anger management counseling.
The punishment ordered this morning by Judge Pamela A. Rintala for Kevin Pavone, 17, of Cassandra Drive, stems from an Feb. 4 soccer game in Medina County during which he kicked an opposing player in the head.
Pavone apologized to Brad Delsky, 18. "I know what I did was wrong ... Brad, I'm sorry for what I did to you."
Defense attorney Michael Bowler said Pavone is an excellent student and has never had any problems with the law. He said the boy has been undergoing anger management and counseling with the Rev. Dan Barker of Cortland Trinity Baptist Church.
"I feel we've been able to identify the root of Kevin's anger and that progress has been coming along from there," the pastor said, noting the two have talked 10 times.
Injuries: Delsky lost consciousness, went into convulsions and suffered a broken cheekbone, broken nose, two black eyes, chipped teeth and a concussion.
Delsky plays for the Cleveland Whitecaps. Pavone played for the Sons of Italy of Youngstown.
The assault occurred near the end of the game at Pinnacle Field in Montrose. Pavone is no longer with the Youngstown team.
Pavone entered an "admission" plea in April in Medina County Juvenile Court to the felony assault charge. The case was sent to Trumbull County Juvenile Court for sentencing.
The sentence includes probation and 45 hours of community service.
Edward Delsky, the victim's father, said the family is satisfied with the terms.
"My son was in some degree of pain for the better part of 30 days. I feel he should serve one day for every day my son suffered," he said.
Brad Delsky, who plans to play soccer next year at Ohio Northern University, said he, too, is satisfied with the outcome. "I hope that he's learned something from this."