STOCKTON, California (AP) -- An assistant youth football coach was arrested on charges of felony child abuse after rushing the field and knocking an opposing player to the ground, police said.
Cory Petero, 36, of Riverbank, turned himself in to Stockton police Saturday night following a late hit that turned into a brawl, with parents and children from both teams fighting on the field.
The incident was recorded on videotape. (Watch coach plow down opposing team player -- 1:35)
Referee Tim Winek said he had just called a penalty on Brian Wood, 13, a Stockton Bears player.
"There was a penalty on the play, and it was a late hit," Winek said. "The parent of the kid who got hit took exception to it. He came charging out onto the field."
Daniel Champion, who identified himself as Wood's father, told The (Stockton) Record that his son suffered bruises on his stomach and jaw from the assault.
The brawl erupted about 3:30 p.m. with less than a minute left to play between the Riveroak Redskins and the Bears.
Fighting continued for about 20 minutes, according to witnesses. No major injuries were reported.
Police are investigating.
Bookmarks