On the afternoon of September 21, 2023, around 2:40 p.m., the Tarpon Springs Police Department received a distress call reporting a potential altercation taking place at 1411 Gulf Rd., Tarpon Springs High School’s football field.
Upon their arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers encountered a football coach who was in the process of restraining an adult male on the ground, situated within the vicinity of the football stadium. Subsequent investigation revealed that this was during a school-sanctioned football practice, where one of the players, a 17-year-old male, was not actively participating due to a prior injury. It was noteworthy that this student had been under the temporary custody of his Aunt, awaiting a final court date since July 20, 2023.
The situation escalated when the student’s father engaged in a heated argument and vocal altercation with the 17-year-old, his own biological son, who was not partaking in the practice. Eyewitnesses, including the football coach, observed the father physically grabbing his son, his hands around the child’s neck.
Concerned for the child’s safety, the football coach immediately left the practice session and intervened, instructing the father to cease his physical contact with the child. The father subsequently released his grip on the child but resorted to kicking the coach.
In response, the coach subdued the parent by taking him to the ground and maintaining control until the arrival of law enforcement officers.
The father’s identity is being withheld at this juncture, and he has been charged with one count of Child Abuse. Notably, the football coach opted not to press charges against the father.
This incident remains an active subject of investigation.