Flag Football Coach Arrested for Alleged Choking Teen During Brawl

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In a shocking incident that has sparked community outrage, a flag football coach and his daughter were arrested following a brawl during a game in Palm Beach, Florida. The incident allegedly began when a 16-year-old girl pulled 15-year-old Sophia Lopez to the ground by her hair after the game. Lopez claimed the girl mocked her for losing, with the comment, ‘You just fell on your face, and it’s a rec game,’ reportedly provoking the girl.

Choking Incident and Physical Altercation

According to the head referee, Brandon Mayer, the father of the 16-year-old girl, allegedly used a choking mechanism on Lopez during the confrontation. Lopez described the experience as terrifying, stating, ‘It felt like everything was so tight. It felt like I was just, I was never gonna get out until I just saw black.’

Ryan Lopez, Sophia’s father and coach, described the incident as a complete choke, with Mayer pulling Lopez forward and trying to pull her back, not by her waist. Lopez then jumped into the fray, with both parties ending up on the ground. Lopez further claimed that Mayer’s daughter kicked him in the face with her cleat while he was on the ground.

Disputing the Allegations

Mayer and his daughter dispute the referee’s account and the Lopez family’s version of events. Mayer claims that his daughter was the one who was assaulted and that he merely tried to break up the fight. However, authorities in Palm Beach did not find their claims convincing, leading to both being charged with varying degrees of assault. Brandon Mayer faces felony Battery by Strangulation charges, while his daughter was charged with simple assault.

Mayer was booked on October 28 and released the following day on a $75,000 bond. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of participants in local sports events and the role of coaches in maintaining a respectful environment.

Source: Breitbart

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claire.thomson