MOUNT PLEASANT, WI — A 41-year-old Wisconsin man was cited for disorderly conduct after police say video showed him tripping a 9-year-old football player during a youth game in Mount Pleasant on Aug. 22.
Mount Pleasant police said they were called after a report that a man had kicked a child on the field. By the time officers arrived, both sides had already left the area. Police later stopped the suspect’s vehicle a short distance away and spoke with him.
Authorities said he cooperated, admitted what happened and acknowledged he was wrong. He was then issued a citation and released without further incident.
Video shows the confrontation during a 10-and-under game
The incident happened during a 10-and-under matchup between the Case Eagles and the Milwaukee Colts. The game was in progress in Racine County when the adult entered the field, according to the police account and video described by witnesses.
Caitlin Ocampo, who recorded the footage, told Storyful the Eagles were leading by roughly 20-0 when a young Eagles player running with the ball was kicked by a Colts parent who had stepped onto the field. Ocampo said Eagles parents were immediately angry and wanted the man removed from the game.
Police later determined the child was not injured. Officers followed up with the 9-year-old after the field altercation and said he was okay.
Police say the suspect was cooperative and left without further incident
Mount Pleasant police said their response began with a report that a man had kicked a child during the game. The suspect and the other parties had already left by the time officers got there, so investigators relied on follow-up contact and the vehicle stop to sort out what happened.
According to police, the man admitted to the act during that contact. Officers said he was cooperative throughout the encounter and understood that his behavior was wrong.
Because of the conduct on the field, police issued him a citation for disorderly conduct. He was then released without any further police action.
Coach says he was furious after hearing about the field incident
Case Eagles coach Channing Schultz said he was away at a family wedding when the episode happened. He later told local media that he was filled with anger after receiving calls about what he described as a disgusting incident.
Schultz said he had seen adults argue and even fight at youth events before, but never a grown man come onto the field during play. He called it the most cowardly act he had ever seen.
The comments reflected the shock among those involved in the game, where adults are expected to stay off the field and let children play. The police response ended with the suspect cited and the child found to be unhurt.
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