Police were called to a youth soccer game in Winter Park, Florida, on October 24, 2026, after a league official reported a disturbance involving the parents of a 3-year-old player. Bodycam footage released by Winter Park Police Department confirms the incident stemmed from parental behavior, not the child’s skill level.
League official cited pushing and disruptive conduct
According to an incident report and bodycam footage, Thomas Hayes, a director for i9 Sports, called police after alleging that the child, identified as Nevada, was pushing other players and disrupting the game. Hayes stated in the footage that he had previously adjusted the team composition to balance play and had asked the parents to control their son’s behavior. The report describes the incident as a civil matter, with the family cooperating with officers.
Parents maintain claim of exclusion
The child’s parents, Martasia Griffin and Don Pierre, have publicly stated that Nevada was asked to leave the field because he was "too good" at soccer. Griffin shared videos on social media showing Nevada dribbling past multiple children and scoring goals, which went viral. In a GoFundMe campaign, Griffin described the incident as unjust and stated it was "heartbreaking" for Nevada. The fundraiser aims to support his soccer development by covering registration fees, training, and travel expenses.
Winter Park Police Department confirms civil matter
A statement from the Winter Park Police Department noted that officers responded to a call about a disturbance between league officials and the parents of a player. The department referred to the incident as a civil matter and did not file charges. The statement did not address the parents’ claims of exclusion based on skill level.
i9 Sports acknowledges child’s talent but cites behavioral issues
Hayes, the i9 Sports director, praised Nevada’s abilities in the bodycam footage but emphasized that the issue was behavioral. He stated that the child’s pushing and the parents’ reactions created an unmanageable situation. The league has not publicly addressed the parents’ claims of skill-based exclusion.
Family seeks supportive environment for Nevada
Griffin and Pierre have continued to advocate for Nevada’s inclusion in a more supportive setting. The GoFundMe campaign, which had raised over $50,000 as of the latest update, reflects their efforts to provide alternative opportunities for his development. The family has not responded to requests for further comment beyond their public statements.
Background: The viral video and public reaction
Videos of Nevada playing soccer, shared by his family and content creators, have drawn widespread attention. Popular children’s content creator Ms. Rachel publicly supported Nevada, calling for positive recognition of his talent. The incident has sparked discussions about youth sports culture, parental expectations, and the treatment of exceptionally skilled young athletes.