A shocking incident during a youth basketball game in California has led to a police investigation involving a 13-year-old player. Footage has surfaced showing the teen stomping on an opponent’s head during a match, raising serious concerns about sportsmanship and safety in youth sports.
Details of the incident
The incident occurred on July 21, during a game between the Tumakbo United and Payton’s Place teams at the College of Alameda. According to reports, the victim was attempting to catch a pass when he was knocked to the ground by an opponent. In a surprising turn of events, the 13-year-old from Payton’s Place approached the fallen player and stomped on his head, prompting immediate intervention from players, referees and a coach.
Victim’s condition
The victim’s mother, Eva Guingab, shared her distressing account of the incident. She revealed that her son suffered a concussion and is currently undergoing concussion protocol, experiencing headaches as a result of the attack. A photo taken after the incident showed a shoe mark on the boy’s face, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Reactions from coaches and teams
Michael Tolentino, the coach of the Tumakbo team, expressed shock at the incident. Meanwhile, the Payton’s Place team released a statement condemning the behavior exhibited by their player, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect their values and that they do not condone violence in sports.
Family’s defense and community response
In a twist, the family of the 13-year-old player defended his actions, claiming he was trying to protect his teammate during the scuffle. However, they also reported that their child has been subjected to cyberbullying since the incident went viral. The Guingab family has filed a police report, and the Alameda Police Department is currently investigating the matter. The outcome of the investigation will determine if any charges will be filed.
This incident raises important questions about the culture of youth sports and the responsibilities of players, coaches and parents. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the need for sportsmanship, respect and safety in all athletic endeavors.
