A youth football game between 8-year-olds in Winter Haven, Florida, ended with parents brawling, kids running for cover, and the local sheriff announcing undercover detectives at future games. The venue made it better: the field sits right next to a Polk County Sheriff's Office substation.
What we know:
- The game was between the Winter Haven Tigers and the Plant City Colts. Plant City won 16-0, according to Brobible, citing Fox 13 News.
- A parent reportedly struck a Plant City coach in the head after the final whistle.
- Video posted online shows one man grabbing at another parent's legs and going to the ground while kids in full football gear ran from the scene.
- Deputies say they were told the dispute may have started over parents betting on the game. They have no video or proof of gambling at this point.
- No arrests have been made, and authorities haven't determined who started the altercation.
- Charges will be misdemeanor disorderly conduct or affray for those identified. Additional charges could follow if gambling is substantiated.
The sheriff is not amused
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the kids behaved while the adults acted like children and broke the law, per WFLA News. He also asked who would have thought undercover investigations would be needed at children's sporting events.
Judd said he plans to send undercover detectives to youth football games, and that anyone caught betting will be charged. His message to parents: you don't go to a youth game to wager on kids.
Sharod Odom, a youth football coach in Lakeland who attended, told Tampa Bay 28 News that the game ended with everyone saying "good game" before hands started swinging. "It got real wild out there," he said.
Context
If you're keeping score at home, Brobible notes this comes days after a Massachusetts girls' flag football game went sideways when a coach and a referee clashed and parents jumped in. Brobible also points to a New Jersey youth hockey team owner who suspended players from practices and games over a trademark dispute involving logo jackets.
The parents showed up to watch a game between second or third graders. They may now get a visit from detectives who've been to more youth football games than the average dad. Ask your group chat if the snack stand is looking a little too friendly this Saturday.
Source: Brobible