A high school football player in Platte County has pleaded guilty to charges he assaulted an opponent with a helmet during a game.

Colin Byrd of Kansas City will serve two years probation, and perform 100 hours of community service. A judge also ordered Byrd to write a letter of apology and pay restitution to the victim.

He must also successfully complete a 12-week anger management program.

The incident happened last October during a game between Platte County R-3 and Winston. Byrd was charged with misdemeanor assault for ripping off the victim’s helmet and striking him in the head with it. The assault occurred after a play in which both players wound up out of bounds.

Byrd’s conduct drew a flag, and he was ejected from the game. The official told investigators he had been officiating football games for more than 20 years and had never seen anything like it.

The school official said he believed Byrd had the opportunity to simply drop the helmet but appeared to be “angry and frustrated” when he intentionally struck the victim with the helmet.

The victim suffered a serious concussion.

In a news release, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said what happened that night was not football. “Nothing less than assault was committed on that field,” Zahnd said.

If the defendant successfully completes probation, Zahnd says his record will be sealed.