A Wisconsin father, Terrence Bradshaw, has admitted that his decision to run onto a youth football field and trip a 9-year-old player was impulsive. The incident occurred on August 22 at Case High School in Racine, Wisconsin, and was captured on video, leading to widespread public reaction.
Bradshaw, 41, was stopped by police conducting a traffic stop about half a mile from the school. According to bodycam footage, when questioned by an officer, he stated he went onto the field to stop the play. He explained that he observed larger children playing against his son and felt he became impulsive, later apologizing to the team and coach.
"There were just some bigger kids than my kid and I got impulsive," Bradshaw told the officer. "And I apologized to the whole team already. I apologized to the coach."
He further elaborated that his actions were partly motivated by concern for his son, who had broken his arm twice previously. "My son broke his arm twice already, so when I saw him flip like that it," he said, attempting to explain his intervention. "I was trying to really stop the game to say that can’t happen. And it just created a whole mess."
When asked if he kicked the boy, Bradshaw claimed they slid together as he attempted to stop the player. The impact of the incident sent both Bradshaw and the child to the ground. The Mount Pleasant Police Department determined that a disorderly conduct citation was warranted, as the elements for more serious charges, such as bodily harm, were not met.
Eagles head coach Channing Schultz expressed anger over the incident, stating that the player could have been seriously injured. "The way he kicked my little guy. His leg could’ve broke. His shin could’ve broke," Schultz told CBS58. Witnesses also voiced outrage, with one telling WISN that the action constituted assault against a child and that Bradshaw should be held more legally responsible.
Bradshaw will avoid a court appearance if he pays a $313 fine for the disorderly conduct charge. The incident has generated significant discussion online and among parents regarding the safety and conduct at youth sporting events.