During a youth basketball game this past week, a fight for possession of the ball ended in one player intentionally stomping on another player’s head.
In Alameda, Calif., the Tumakbo United basketball team, which is a youth team with players from across the country, played a game against the Payton’s Place team. The game took place at College of Alameda.
There is a video of the incident as a few players fall to the ground over the ball, then another player enters the frame, pauses above the scrambling players and stomps a foot down on one boys’ head.
According to parents, the boy has a concussion and is still suffering from headaches after the incident. After the incident, the boy’s parents filed a police report. The police are investigating and will turn their findings over to the Alameda County District Attorney who will make the final decision on what action should be taken.
The instigating player was asked to leave the facility after the attack. Some sources say there was additional verbal arguments between parents, referees and coaches, but this incident was not caught on camera.
Parents and coaches of the instigating player said he is, “seeking help to control his emotions and he is not playing with the program at this time.” In a statement for ABC 7, they said, “The behavior that was exhibited by our player is not acceptable, and is being taken seriously.” According to the coaching staff for Payton Place, the instigating player has been removed from their team roster.
“You can clearly see the size of the shoe on his face,” said Eva Guingab, the victim’s mother. A photo taken of his head after the game shows a distinct red mark in the shape of a shoe spread across the side of the boy’s face.
