Defense attorneys argued for the removal of the case from Tulsa County District Court, citing their clients’ lack of past criminal history and various reports from psychologists who found they are suitable candidates for rehabilitation. They also pointed to the boy’s testimony about his clothes staying on during the entirety of the altercation, although the boy and another player who recorded it said the pool cue still made entry.

The juvenile system allows for jurisdiction until age 19. Lakin is 18 years and five months old, while Thomas will turn 18 in about two months. Cable and Wood will reach their 18th birthdays in about six and 10 months, respectively.

Seibert said it was apparent that the Office of Juvenile Affairs did not believe Lakin was amenable to treatment due to his age and “dragging things out” by “appealing a football suspension.” However, she said she gave greater weight to a report from Lakin’s psychologist because of its reliance on empirical data and because of her observations during the psychologist’s testimony.