A three-year-old boy was at the center of a dispute during a Florida youth soccer game.
Police were called to a youth soccer game in Florida after a three-year-old boy was described as "too good" at playing soccer. Videos of the boy, named Nevada, dribbling past older children and scoring goals have since gone viral.
Nevada was playing in an i9 Sports youth soccer league against children around five years old when the disagreement occurred on October 24. His parents claim other adults were frustrated with how well he played and complained that he held onto the ball too much. In videos shared online, Nevada can be seen weaving past opponents and scoring goals.
i9 Sports league director Thomas Hayes later called 911, telling the operator, "There is a parent here that's really, really disruptive." His father questioned why police were called during a game involving a three-year-old, while his mother, Martasia Griffin, told officers that her son was being pushed out of the league because of his talent.
According to ESPN, the family's videos did not show Nevada making physical contact with other players.
League Officials Tell a Different Story
The league organizer offered a different explanation when speaking with Winter Park police. In body-camera footage released after the incident, Hayes acknowledged Nevada's soccer talent but alleged that the toddler had been pushing other children during games.
The organizer also said he had been rotating players to give everyone a chance to participate. According to his account, Nevada's parents became argumentative after their son was taken out of the game.
Hayes reportedly told officers, "I just want him [Nevada] out. Immediately. [...] Just give me their names so I can give them their refund."
Nevada's parents disputed the organizer's version of events. His mother told police, "They're literally kicking him out of this place because he's good at soccer." In a separate video, Nevada's father can be heard saying, "They called the police on a 3-year-old because he's too good."
Police Respond as the Story Goes Viral
Officers reportedly treated the incident as a civil matter, and nobody was arrested, formally trespassed, or forced to leave the park. They allegedly told the event organizer they did not have the authority to do so.
The local i9 Sports franchise has since acknowledged the concerns raised online and said it is reviewing the incident.
Meanwhile, the story has attracted widespread support for Nevada and his family, with social media users questioning how youth leagues should handle disputes between parents and players.