Arizona

Arizona prison guard union head says attack on video not ‘one-off’

Published

7 months ago

May 21, 2025

Press Room

Arizona prison guard union head says attack on video not ‘one-off’

A video has surfaced showing an inmate assault in an Arizona prison, raising concerns about systemic issues within the facility.
Critics of prison administration say the video highlights a lack of staff intervention and inadequate supervision.
The Arizona Department of Corrections is investigating the incident, saying it was isolated despite acknowledging a recent increase in prison violence.

A video showing inmates using locks as weapons during an attack inside an Arizona prison is not the only of its kind, according to a prison reform advocate and a corrections union leader.

Both said the footage reflects deeper, systemic failures that prison officials have ignored.

The nearly three-minute cell phone video, posted online May 14, shows a bloodied inmate being chased and beaten by two others swinging padlocks tied to straps.

The attack moves from an interior dormitory space to an outdoor area at the Winchester Unit at Arizona State Prison Complex–Tucson. At no point do correctional staff appear on screen.

“This was not a ‘one-off,’” said Carlos Garcia, executive director of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association.

The association has discovered multiple videos of “illegal conduct with little or no staff intervention,” Garcia said in a statement.

Administrators who work for Corrections Director Ryan Thornell “have relinquished control to the inmate population,” Garcia said.

Donna Hamm, founder and director of Middle Ground Prison Reform, which watchdogs Arizona’s prison system, echoed Garcia’s concerns in an email to The Arizona Republic. She said there is little supervision in the prisons.

“In many cases of inmate-on-inmate assault, no staff will intervene,” she said. “They simply don’t want to get hurt themselves, and the inmates usually far outnumber the staff.”

She also said that open dorms have poor visibility and limited camera coverage, and that an “override” classification system has allowed high-risk inmates to be placed in lower-security housing.

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry released a statement on May 20 saying the attack occurred on May 14 and that the department became aware of the video a day after it was posted online.

The statement said the fight was under investigation and that people involved, including the one in possession of a cell phone, would “be held accountable.”

While the department described the attack as an “isolated incident,” the statement said there had been a “recent spike in violence among the inmate population.”

As the department “continues the challenging work of corrections statewide, we are increasing our calls for better support for our staff, including funding for higher pay and better retention, recognizing the critical public safety and high-risk work officers manage each day,” the statement said.

No inmates suffered serious injuries, the department’s statement said. The bloodied man was treated at a hospital and returned to the prison the same day, it said.

The department did not describe the nature of the man’s injuries or define what it considered “serious.”

The department’s Incident Command System, which is tasked with dealing with these kinds of incidents, was activated that same day, the statement said.

The department did not say when staff began responding to the assault. The video shows no signs of intervention.

The department warned that public speculation by “third-party persons” created “intentional obstructions” to safety and diverted resources from its mission.

Hamm argued the department was downplaying the incident.

She said Thornell needed to focus on security and safety, including staff recruitment and training.

“The public doesn’t seem to understand that prisoners far outnumber the guards and that guards actually use prisoners (and need them) for cooperation and even for safety-related issues,” she wrote.

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Arizona

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham signs 5-year extension averaging $7.5M a year

Published

9 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham signs 5-year extension averaging .5M a year

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Kenny Dillingham insisted he had no interest in leaving Arizona State. All he wanted was for his program and assistant coaches to get the resources they needed to be successful.

Dillingham got his wish on Saturday, signing a five-year contract extension that will raise his salary to an average of $7.5 million per year and increase the salary pool for his assistants to $11 million — one of the highest in the Big 12.

“The support of this season has stepped up a ton. Our university stepped up,” Dillingham told reporters following Saturday’s practice. “What I was fighting for was that long-term commitment to our staff, to our program, to the commitment to try be competitive in this crazy world (of college football).”

Dillingham had been reportedly in the mix for numerous high-profile jobs, insisting after a win against West Virginia on Nov. 15 that he wasn’t going anywhere. The 35-year-old coach’s name popped up again when Michigan fired Sherrone Moore last week and Dillingham was honest about using the top job at Michigan to push Arizona State to support the football program even more.

“This was always the goal; secure generational leadership right here at ASU,” Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini said in a statement. “We have the right coach and want him to have the tools to do his job in a way that keeps building excitement, connection and winning at ASU. Not only is the Valley activated, but the Sun Devils are about to ignite!”

Dillingham has certainly revitalized Arizona State’s program and its fan base.

The former Oregon offensive coordinator and Arizona State alum became the youngest coach in the FBS when he was hired at 32 and, after an injury-plagued first season, led the Sun Devils to the Big 12 championship — their first conference title since 1996. Arizona State went on to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time, earning Dillingham a five-year contract extension that bumped his salary to $5.8 million the first year of the contract.

Injuries hit Arizona State hard this season — notably quarterback Sam Leavitt and All-American Jordyn Tyson — but Dillingham still had his team in contention for a return trip to the Big 12 title game until late in the season.

The Sun Devils sold out every home game this season and finished the regular season 8-4, earning a spot in the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl against Duke.

Now Dillingham and his program have more resources to keep the momentum going.

“Our staff wins. I’ve said this over and over,” Dillingham said. “Them and our players are what have got us to this point. They’re a vital piece and I think they deserve to be taken care of.”

___

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Arizona

Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely switches congressional districts in Arizona race

Published

21 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely switches congressional districts in Arizona race

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely has switched his congressional campaign from the East Valley to Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, joining a crowded Republican primary in Scottsdale.

The move comes after President Donald Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the Fifth Congressional District last month, sending Feely a message to run in a different district.

“After nearly a quarter century in professional football, I know that no player is more important than the well-being of the team,” Feely said in a statement released Friday. “In this moment, the best way I can serve our GOP team is to defend this crucial Republican seat.”

Feely joins businessman John Trobough, state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik and current Arizona Republican Party leader Gina Swoboda in the GOP primary. Swoboda has already secured Trump’s endorsement.

Political experts believe Feely’s move, following Trump’s advice, could lead to another situation where Trump endorses two candidates in the same race.

The First Congressional District seat opened when Congressman David Schweikert announced his run for governor. Republicans view the district as a must-win seat.

The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election. The district is one of two swing districts in Arizona that could determine which party controls the House.

Trump has previously endorsed multiple candidates in Arizona Republican primaries, including Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson in the governor’s race.

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Arizona

Three Arizona Standouts Against Bellarmine

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Three Arizona Standouts Against Bellarmine

The blowout victory not only highlighted Arizona’s depth but also provided several standout individual performances that showed important signs of growth headed towards conference play. Here’s a closer look at the top three Wildcats from the game and how they powered the win.

1. Tanyuel Welch — Team Leader With a Big Night (18 Points)

Memphis’ Tanyuel Welch (11) jumps up for a rebound during the game between East Carolina University and the University of Memphis at Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 1, 2025. | Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Guard Tanyuel Welch led all scorers for Arizona with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting a highly efficient performance that helped set the tone early and keep the Wildcats well ahead of Bellarmine throughout. Welch also knocked down 4-of-4 free throws, showing composure at the line, and contributed six rebounds and three assists while playing 24 minutes.

Impressively, she did all of this with just one turnover and one foul, illustrating her control and decision-making in a high-tempo game. Welch’s scoring came at all levels; attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range looks, and finishing in transition and her all-around playmaking and rebounding added yet another layer to a complete offensive night.

2. Noelani Cornfield — Playmaker and Versatile Contributor

Oct 21, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizonaís Noelani Cornfield speaks to media during Big 12 Womenís Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Sophia Scheller-Imagn Images | Sophia Scheller-Imagn Images

Senior point guard Noelani Cornfield had another impactful outing in the win over Bellarmine. Cornfield recorded 15 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed two rebounds, and added five steals in just 25 minutes of action. Her stat line shows how she orchestrated the Wildcats’ offense while also creating havoc defensively.

Cornfield’s ability to distribute the ball was on full display as Arizona finished with 24 assists on 44 made field goals, a testament to their ball movement and unselfish play. Her high assist total helped keep the offense flowing and ensured that multiple Wildcats got open, high-percentage shots throughout the afternoon. Her defensive energy also led to easy transition opportunities, further fueling Arizona’s balanced scoring output.

3. Achol Magot — Efficient Frontcourt Scorer Off the Bench

Iowa State Cyclones’ center Audi Crooks (55) blocks the ball as Texas Tech Lady Raiders center Achol Magot (10) attempts to shoot during the first quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball showdown at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Center Achol Magot delivered a career-high 10 points off the bench in just 14 minutes, going 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Her efficient scoring and physical presence inside helped complement Arizona’s guard play and gave the Wildcats consistent production inside the paint. Magot also contributed five rebounds and one assist while battling through foul trouble, showing a strong impact in limited minutes.

Her ability to score efficiently around the basket and contribute on the glass was an important part of Arizona’s depth, showing through. In a game where Arizona had six double-digit scorers, Magot’s contribution sealed her place as one of the night’s top performers.

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