Brand Spanking New

No charges in student buttocks branding
AP

Breckenridge, Colo. - Breckenridge authorities said a Texas Christian University student who suffered burns when his peers branded his buttocks participated in the act willingly and no charges will be filed.

Authorities said Thursday they made the decision not to pursue charges after reviewing statements from Amon Carter IV and a dozen TCU students and examining video clips and multiple photos shot by students looking on.

The Summit Daily News reported that Carter, a sophomore who goes by the name Chance, had Greek symbols from his fraternity and a sorority branded on his buttocks Jan. 8 during a winter break trip to Breckenridge and needed surgery after suffering second-and third-degree burns.

Investigators said what happened was not part of a fraternity initiation because Carter was already a group member. They concluded Carter asked to be branded, he was awake when it happened, and he continued to party and dance afterward.

Meanwhile, TCU continues to investigate whether the episode violated university rules, even though the incident did not happen on campus, WFAA-TV of Dallas-Fort Worth reported.

Carter is the great-grandson of Amon G. Carter, Sr., who founded the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

I knew this kid's name sounded familiar. I guess kids will be kids. But I would say that the frat should probably pick up his medical bills but I guess his family can afford it. I am a bit surprised the judge wasn't more understanding. Of course the kid went back to partying after getting branded. If you had second degree burns on your ass the first thing you'd want is some booze to numb the pain. Kids are willing to do some pretty crazy things with their ass in college. I've had a buddy with his ass branded and another with a smiley face tattoo on his. That's what college is all about - out of touch adults and self indulgent children.