Police called to Florida soccer game after 3-year-old removed for scoring

Nevada Pierre, a 3-year-old from Florida, was removed from a youth soccer match this weekend, prompting his parents to call police after the team’s league director said the boy was acting unruly. The incident took place at a park in Winter Park and quickly spread across social media, turning a casual weekend game into a national debate about how young athletes are treated.

According to a police report, the dispute began when Pierre’s parents argued that the toddler was being treated unfairly for playing too well. The sports league director countered that the child was taken off the field due to his behavior. The director also stated that the parents, whom he described as unruly, were upset about their son’s playing time. Officers who arrived at the scene determined the conflict was a civil matter rather than a criminal one.

The Winter Park Police Department said no one was arrested or forced to leave the park. The league requested the family depart and offered a refund for the league cost. The family accepted, stating the game was already over. Police noted that the family was cooperative with officers throughout the interaction.

Video footage of the game has gone viral, showing Pierre weaving between players and scoring goals. The clip captures the moment police were called, adding to the public reaction. The incident has drawn attention from various public figures who questioned why a child would be singled out for his athletic ability.

Ms. Rachel, a children’s educator and entertainer, called the incident sick on social media. She stated that police were called on a 3-year-old Black boy because he was too good at soccer and that he was kicked out of the league. She described the event as racist and traumatizing. Ms. Rachel also invited Pierre to appear on her show to demonstrate his skills.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump posted on X, asking what message is sent to young athletes if a child is punished for excelling. He described the removal as alleged, noting that the boy was reportedly taken from the league for being too good. Robert Griffin III, a former professional quarterback, also criticized the incident, calling it ridiculous to punish a 3-year-old for being too good at a sport. He referred to Pierre as a soccer phenom.

Martasia Griffin, Pierre’s mother, told ABC News that she only spoke up for her son. She said the family felt embarrassed after police arrived at the game. In a statement on the family’s Instagram page, the parents said Pierre scored 10 goals during the weekend match. They noted that he was playing with 5-year-olds and that opponents struggled to take the ball from him.

The family’s statement added that other parents felt it was unfair that no one could stop him. They emphasized that Pierre is only 3 years old. The league, i9 Sports, issued a statement saying it is reviewing the incident. The organization said it reached out to the family and is speaking with those involved to ensure the respectful treatment and well-being of every child.

In a 911 call obtained by media outlets, a league official described Pierre’s mother as disruptive. The official said she was following him around and calling him names in front of the crowd. The call provides an audio record of the complaint that led to the police response.

The police report and league statements offer differing accounts of why the child was removed. The family believes he was scorned for his skill, while the league cites behavior. The review by i9 Sports is currently underway as the family and the organization work through the details of the weekend match.