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The mother of a 3-year-old Black soccer player is defending her son after a dispute at a Florida youth game led to police being called and his removal from the league.
Martasia Griffin says her son, Nevada Pierre, was singled out for being too good at soccer while playing against children as old as 5. Now, she's pushing back against allegations that he was playing aggressively.
On Monday (October 26), Griffin shared footage of the game on Instagram, challenging claims that Nevada had been pushing other children.
"This is the full game no cut no edit where is the pushing?" she wrote.
The controversy began Saturday (October 24) at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Winter Park, Florida, where Nevada was participating in an i9 Sports youth soccer program.
According to CBS News, league director Thomas Hayes acknowledged Nevada's talent but claimed the child had been pushing other players. Hayes also described an earlier disagreement with the parents over player rotations during previous games.
In body camera footage released by police, Hayes said another confrontation occurred after he asked referees to remind Nevada not to push other children. He claimed the parents argued with other families and created a "big scene," according to PEOPLE.
In 911 audio released by Winter Park police, Hayes described a parent as "really, really disruptive" before officers arrived.
Griffin disputed the official's account.
"They're mad at my son because he actually plays soccer," she told police, according to PEOPLE.
"So, I'm a little confused and I'm a little like, baffled because I signed my kids up for soccer," she continued.
Nevada's father, Don Pierre, also questioned the decision. The parents told officers they had paid nearly $300 for their son to participate, according to ESPN.
Police confirmed that league officials requested that the family leave and offered a refund. However, the Winter Park Police Department emphasized that the disagreement was a civil matter.
"No one was arrested, trespassed, or forced to leave the park," police said, adding that the family was cooperative.
The incident has since sparked widespread attention, including support from former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who criticized the decision to remove Nevada from the program.
"Punishing a 3 year old child for being too good at a sport is RIDICULOUS," Griffin III wrote on social media.
Children's entertainer Ms. Rachel also expressed support and invited Nevada to appear on her show.
Meanwhile, i9 Sports said it has contacted the family and launched a review.
"The respectful treatment and well-being of every child and family matter deeply to us," the organization said in a statement, per WESH.
The league said it is speaking with those involved and would not speculate about the incident while its review continues.
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