Crime & Safety

Video Shows Youth Football Coaches, Player Attacking Referee

On Saturday, Aug. 27 coaches and a player from the Sarasota Gators youth football team attacked a referee. The Sheriff's Office said it is conducting a criminal investigation.

Update, Noon: According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office there are four suspects in the case that are cooperating fully with the investigation. 

Earlier: A youth football game at last Saturday turned violent when coaches and a player from the Sarasota Gators attacked a referee. 

An amateur video was supplied to the sheriff's office, which shows the referee and coach arguing. When the referee walks away toward the endzone, that's when the skirmish starts. After the referee and the adult exchange punches, a player then dives to tackle the ref, the video shows. 

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The video then shows other players and adults running on to the field toward the exchange. It also appears that an adult kicks the referee while he is on the ground. 

The sheriff's office said it is conducting a criminal investigation based on the video. Detectives have been interviewing the witnesses, suspects and victims that were involved in the incident. 

Find out what's happening in Sarasotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be made available subsequent to any applicable charges in the case, the sheriff's office said. Battery on a game official is a felony in the state of Florida.

“For adults who have been entrusted with mentoring the youth of our community, the actions displayed are beyond disappointing. The video speaks for itself”, said Sheriff Tom Knight.


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