A second grade basketball game in Pennsylvania ended with handcuffs, injuries, and criminal charges for two adults.
An assistant coach at a youth basketball game and her father were arrested after a fight allegedly broke out following a second grade game at Holy Child School in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 1.
Authorities said Brittany Ortiz, 38, and her father, William Stanley, face multiple charges including assault on a sports official. Three people were injured, including the opposing team coach's 3-year-old daughter, according to police.
Police said Ortiz was seen shouting and cursing during the game, which led to an argument with the opposing team's coach. Stanley also reportedly argued with the coach.
Witnesses told police Ortiz allegedly grabbed the coach's wife by the hair and slammed her to the ground, Fox 29 reported.
“Unfortunately, this took place in the hallway of the gym immediately following the game, after some verbal sparring on the court during the game,” Lt. Michael Keenan of the Lower Merion Police Department told 6ABC.
According to police, the opposing team's coach tried to break up the fight but was then assaulted by Stanley, who allegedly struck him in the head and attempted to kick him in the groin, the outlet noted.
The coach reported redness and bruising, while his wife reported clumps of hair coming out, as well as a contusion and a concussion, according to Fox 29.
The coach had been carrying his 3-year-old daughter at the time. Police said the child was hysterical, urinated herself, and suffered bruising on her leg, per NBC 10.
Ortiz was arrested and charged with assault on a sports official, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, and harassment. Her bail was set at $10,000. Stanley later turned himself in after police issued a warrant for his arrest, NBC 10 reported.
"It's incumbent on coaches and adults alike at any children's sporting event to act like the adults in the room, because we are,” Keenan told 6ABC. “We're there to foster a safe learning and playing environment for the kids. People get heated, it's understandable. We like to compete. But when your little kids are involved, and you are their stewards, you have to act like it.”
In a statement shared with 6ABC, the school said, “Holy Child School at Rosemont rents facilities to the Malvern Basketball League, whose teams are not affiliated with the school. No Holy Child families were involved in the incident.”