Florida family removed from youth soccer game

A Florida youth soccer organizer called police this past weekend to have the family of a 3-year-old boy removed from a game. The organizer claimed the child was pushing other players. Body camera footage released Monday contradicts that account, showing the parents explaining that their son was effectively cut from the league because he was too good.

The incident took place at a public park in Winter Park. The boy, identified as Nevada, was playing for i9 Sports, a nationwide youth organization. His parents, Martasia Griffin and Don Pierre, later released video of the match on social media. In those clips, Nevada dribbles past opponents to score multiple goals. He then watches in confusion as Winter Park Police officers approach his family.

The timeline of the dispute began when the organizer told responding officers that the parents created a disturbance. The organizer described the child as very advanced and noted that he scored many goals. The organizer added that Nevada was pushing the other kids. "He's very advanced compared to the other ones, so he's scoring a lot of goals," the organizer told officers. "But he's pushing the kids.. So, I try to tell him, don't push; we want to play without pushing, right?"

The organizer said the parents became argumentative after the boy was benched. The organizer told police to remove the family immediately. "I just want him out. Immediately," the organizer said. "Just give me their names so I can give them their refund." The parents told officers they had paid nearly $300 for the league.

Martasia Griffin told officers that the league was upset because Nevada actually played soccer. "They're mad at my son because he actually plays soccer. They're literally kicking him out of this place because he's good at soccer," she said. She added that officials first claimed he was not passing, but noted that no one was catching the ball when he did.

Officers reviewed the situation but did not cite the family for trespassing. They explained to the organizer that they lacked the authority to eject the family from the park. The Winter Park Police Department stated on its website that the league offered the parents a refund. The report noted that the family was cooperative and stated the game was over as they left. No one was arrested or forced to leave the park.

One officer told another at the end of the interaction that he wanted to see the boy play. The officer added, "I bet he's good." Representatives for i9 Sports did not respond to requests for comment.