This video is graphic! Yes, the 9-year old is wearing a helmet…but is this the way to teach a child?
A now VIRAL video is being circulated showing a coach by the name of Gerrel Williams PUNCHING a 9-year old kid in the head TWICE!
The incident happened during a game of the 9U Savannah Gators at the American Youth Football National Championships in Kissimmee, Florida.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office told TMZ they had investigated Williams for possible child abuse after the video of the Dec. 7 incident was sent to them. The child’s mother, however, “made clear” she did not want to press charges against the coach.
Williams still could face criminal charges by prosecutors with the video as evidence, but a conviction would be difficult without cooperation from the victim or his parents. Interestingly enough, Williams previously worked for the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office as a counselor in the detention center. The sheriff’s office confirmed to TMZ he is no longer an employee.
Williams did issue an apology…for disciplining the child in public. The apology seemed EMPTY.
His ‘apology’ has of course come under fire.
American Youth Football Executive Vice President Adam Laufer said Williams is banned from the national youth league, which is represented in all 50 U.S. states and six countries.
“We are of course beyond disappointed in the coach’s actions, which are wholly inconsistent with the fundamental value of youth sports,” said Laufer.