Former NFL Quarterback Cam Newton and Youth Coaches Involved in Startling Brawl at Youth Football Event
As I sat in the bleachers watching my nephew’s youth hockey game last weekend, I couldn’t help but notice a sign hanging on the glass beside me. It read: “LET THE REFS REFLET THE COACHES COACH, LET THE PLAYERS PLAY, YOU ARE A CHEERLEADER.” This simple message served as a reminder of the importance of perspective when it comes to youth sports. Unfortunately, it seems that many adults have forgotten this lesson.
The incident that unfolded at a youth football event in Atlanta last weekend involving former NFL quarterback Cam Newton and several youth coaches is a stark example of the disturbing behavior that has become all too common in our children’s sports. The altercation escalated to the point where security guards had to physically intervene and separate the individuals involved. It is a clear indication that something is seriously wrong with the way adults are behaving at these events.
It is not just parents who are to blame for this disturbing trend. Adults like Newton, who runs a youth sports organization, are supposed to be role models for young athletes. Yet, they find themselves engaging in violent brawls in front of parents and children. These same adults often coach against each other or sit in opposing stands, allowing their egos to overshadow the true purpose of youth sports. Furthermore, they exploit these young athletes by monetizing their talents through pay-to-play teams and exclusive tournaments.
Todd Nelson, assistant director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, believes that this behavior is a reflection of society as a whole. He states, “Individuals over the last four or five years have felt like they can speak their mind and do what they want to do and shouldn’t be any consequences for that.” This sense of entitlement has led to extreme actions that have no place in youth sports.
The safety of sports officials is also a growing concern. Nelson spoke about the shortage of officials due to unruly spectator behavior, but even more alarming is the physical violence that some officials have faced. In one video of the recent brawl involving Newton, he can be heard threatening someone off-camera, implying that more violence may follow. This type of behavior is not only dangerous but also sets a terrible example for the young athletes who witness it.
Unfortunately, incidents of violence at youth sporting events are not isolated occurrences. There have been reports of parents physically assaulting sports officials in various states, and in some cases, even firearms have been involved. These incidents not only put lives at risk but also rob children of the joy and innocence that should be associated with playing sports.
“They are stealing the moment away from children,” says Brian Barlow, a soccer official interviewed for an HBO Sports documentary on violence against referees. The focus should be on the development and enjoyment of the young athletes, not on the egos and financial gains of adults.
Speaking of financial gains, many of these coaches charge exorbitant fees for children to participate in their teams. They turn youth sports into a business, poaching players from one another and becoming irate when their interests are threatened. This shift from volunteer coaching positions to profit-driven enterprises raises questions about the true motivations behind these organizations. Are they truly focused on the well-being and development of the children, or are they simply looking to make money?
As parents, we invest not only our emotions but also our finances into our children’s sports. However, if the adults running these events cannot behave themselves, what are we truly sacrificing? The recent incident involving Newton and other coaches serves as a wake-up call for all adults involved in youth sports. It is time to prioritize the well-being and enjoyment of the young athletes and put an end to the toxic behavior that has infiltrated these events.
The responsibility falls on all adults who are supposed to be leaders in youth sports. They must take a hard look at their own actions and set a positive example for the next generation. If we want our children to continue participating in sports and reaping the benefits that come with it, we must create an environment that is safe, supportive, and focused on their development.
Steve Borelli, also known as Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He has firsthand experience as a coach for his own children’s baseball and basketball teams and is currently a sports parent himself. In his weekly column, he addresses the issues surrounding youth sports and offers insights and advice based on his own experiences.