A youth football game turned chaotic today, when a fight broke out at Central Valley High School’s football field. The incident occurred during a charity tournament, drawing in multiple people, including coaches, parents, and players.
According to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, a player from a Reno, Nevada team was tackled near the sideline, leading to a misunderstanding between coaches. A Reno coach believed his player was assaulted and attempted to confront the Central Valley coach.
“The Reno coach attempted to throw a punch at the Central Valley coach, missed, and hit a juvenile who was working on the sidelines,” the Sheriff’s Office reported. The juvenile was not injured, but their parents sought charges for assault and child endangerment.
Parents from both teams then rushed the field, escalating the situation. Many left before deputies arrived, but the Reno coach was reportedly struck and briefly lost consciousness. He was treated and released on-site. The person who struck the Reno coach was not identified.
A video from the school confirmed witness accounts, and the case is being sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review. The remainder of the Reno team’s games were canceled.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the Shasta County Sheriff’s non-emergency line: 530-245-6540.
