Winter Park police called to soccer game over 3-year-old player

Winter Park Police officers responded to a disturbance at a youth soccer game on Saturday after a league official called the department. The call concerned a dispute involving the parents of a 3-year-old player named Nevada Pierre. Officers determined the situation was a civil matter between the parties rather than a criminal incident. No one was arrested, and no one was forced to leave the park.

The Winter Park Police Department stated that the family was cooperative with officers during the response. The league requested the family leave and offered to refund the cost of the league participation. The family stated the game had ended and they were departing. Police described the incident as resolved without further action.

Pierre’s parents believe the child was removed because he played too well. Martasia Griffin, Pierre’s mother, told ABC News that the family felt embarrassed after police arrived at the game. She said she merely spoke up for her son. The league director argued in the police report that the child was removed due to behavior. The director also stated that the parents were upset about their son’s playing time.

Video footage of the game and the police call has spread across social media. In the 911 dispatch audio, a league official described Pierre’s mother as unruly and disruptive. The official said the mother followed him around and called him names in front of other people. The footage shows Pierre weaving between players and scoring goals.

Public figures have commented on the incident online. Ms. Rachel, a children’s educator, described the event as sick. She said police were called on a 3-year-old Black boy because he was too good at soccer. She invited Pierre to appear on her show to show his skills. She called the situation racist, sick, traumatizing, and disgusting.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump posted on X about the alleged removal. He asked what message is sent to young athletes if a child is punished for excelling. Robert Griffin III, a former professional football quarterback, also expressed outrage. He called the decision to call police on a 3-year-old crazy and labeled Pierre a soccer phenom. He said punishing a child for being too good at a sport is ridiculous.

i9 Sports, the organization behind the youth program, issued a statement saying it is reviewing the incident. The group said it takes the concerns seriously and has reached out to the family. The review includes speaking with those involved. The program stated that the respectful treatment and well-being of every child and family matter deeply to them.

Videos shared on Pierre’s official Instagram page show him playing in the match. His parents say the toddler scored 10 goals during the weekend game despite being taken off early. A statement on the page said the league kicked him out because other parents felt it was unfair that he could not be stopped. It noted he is a 3-year-old playing with 5-year-olds.