Winter Park Police Respond to Youth Soccer Dispute Involving 3-Year-Old

Winter Park Police responded to a call at a local park on Saturday regarding a disturbance involving the parents of a 3-year-old soccer player. The incident occurred during a youth soccer game and resulted in the child's early removal from the field. No arrests were made, and no one was forced to leave the park. The police department described the situation as a civil matter between the families and the league.

The dispute centers on Nevada Pierre, a 3-year-old player who was taken off the field before the game ended. According to a police report, Pierre's parents claimed their son was "scorned" for playing too well. The league's director countered that the child was removed "due to behavior." The director also stated that the parents, described as "unruly," were "upset with their son’s playing time," the report noted.

The timeline of the incident began with a 911 call from a soccer league official. The official reported a disturbance involving the child's parents. In the recording, the caller referred to Pierre's mother as "just really really disruptive." The official accused her of "following me around and calling me names and in front of this whole bunch of people." He identified the specific complaint as having "an unruly parent here." Officers arrived at the park to address the call.

After assessing the scene, officers determined the incident was not criminal. The league requested the family leave the park. The league offered to refund the league cost to the family. The family stated the game was over and that they were leaving. Police noted the family was cooperative with the officers throughout the interaction. No trespassing orders or arrests were issued.

Video footage of the event has spread widely online. Clips show young Pierre weaving between players and scoring goals. The footage has drawn attention from public figures and parents across the country. Ms. Rachel, a children's educator and entertainer, called the incident "sick" in an online post. She stated that police were called on a 3-year-old Black boy because he was "too good at soccer." She invited Pierre onto her show to "share his amazing skills."

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump posted on X about the alleged removal. He wrote, "A 3-year-old was allegedly removed from a youth soccer league because he was too good." Crump asked what message is sent to young athletes if a child is punished for excelling. Former professional quarterback Robert Griffin III also commented, calling it "crazy" to call the cops on a 3-year-old. He referred to Pierre as a "soccer phenom" and said punishing a child for being too good at a sport is "ridiculous."

The soccer program, i9 Sports, issued a statement to NBC News regarding the incident. The organization said it is aware of the concerns being shared and takes them very seriously. The group stated it reached out to the family and has begun a review. This review includes speaking with those involved in the game. The program added that the respectful treatment and well-being of every child and family matter deeply to them.

Martasia Griffin, Pierre's mother, spoke with ABC News about the experience. She said she merely "spoke up" for her son. Griffin said the family was left feeling "embarrassed" after police were called to the game. In videos shared on Pierre's official Instagram page, his parents show snippets of him playing. They stated the toddler scored 10 goals at the weekend game, despite being taken off early.

A statement on the family's Instagram page explained the reason for the removal. It said the league kicked Nevada out because "no one could take the ball from him" each week. The statement noted that some parents on the other team did not feel it was fair. It emphasized that he is a 3-year-old playing with 5-year-olds. The family continues to share the footage of his performance with the public.

The police department released its statement on Monday, confirming the details of the response. The statement reiterated that the incident was a civil matter. It confirmed the league's offer of a refund and the family's subsequent departure. The report highlighted the cooperative nature of the family's interaction with officers. The review by i9 Sports remains ongoing as the organization speaks with those involved in the Saturday game.