AMERICAN FORK, Utah -- A high school football coach accused of critically injuring a pheasant that was released on the field said he had no intention of harming the bird.

Richard Layton, 47, stepped on it Friday during a game between Viewmont High School and American Fork High School. He was cited for animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.

The pheasant, barely breathing after the incident, was subsequently killed, police said.

"Anyone who knows me knows I am a compassionate person with a respect for animals," said Layton, an assistant coach at Viewmont.

"It was clear to me from the sideline that whoever released the pheasant had previously plucked the bird's tail feathers, thereby inhibiting its natural ability to fly, flee or otherwise defend itself," the Bountiful man said in a statement.

"After several minutes of unsuccessful attempts by others to catch the bird, it came running toward me on the sideline," Layton said Wednesday. "In an effort to pin down the bird, I tried to stop it with my foot, causing me to lose my balance."

American Fork Police Chief Lance Call doesn't believe the incident was mild. After watching video, he said Layton "stomped" on the pheasant.

Two teens from American Fork High who released the bird on the field are accused of animal cruelty and disorderly conduct. Their cases are being handled in Juvenile Court.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com