A video circulating on social media has ignited outrage after showing Alex Umberger, a Clintwood High School football player, allegedly kicking a toddler in a shocking act of violence.
The footage, widely shared on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, has prompted intense criticism from parents, residents, and online communities, prompting a demand for swift action.
Umberger’s girlfriend, Tessa Nelson, has also come under scrutiny for her perceived inaction during the incident.
The video, first shared by content creator Robbie Harvey, reportedly captures Umberger violently kicking the young child, who immediately cries out in distress.
The toddler’s mother is heard defending the act, saying, “he was playing with you,” which has drawn attention from viewers across social media. Makayla McReynolds added,
If you’re a parent, your job is to PROTECT. Not put your kids in harms way. If the mother knowingly puts her child through this, and thinks this is okay then she needs to be held responsible too. I can’t speak for any situation when it comes to domestic abuse but even parents who have been through this even protected their kids. Again, if this is an on going issue where the mother brushes it off as being playful or an accident then she’s teaching her child that it’s okay to do the same to others and it being okay.
Makayla McReynolds
Tessa Nelson, identified by commenters as Umberger’s girlfriend, has also faced public backlash. Ari Griffin noted,
Tessa Nelson is the girlfriend. He was not charged because he said he didn’t mean to, the mom took his side.
Ari Griffin
Social media users suggested that her silence and lack of intervention may have contributed to the incident, sparking widespread outrage about the roles both adults played.
The community has called on authorities to take immediate action. Debra Holland asked, “Has anybody turned this into CPS?” while Davida Williams emphasized, “This needs to be reported to CPS.”
Mark Deel highlighted that the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the Clintwood Town Police are handling the investigation, but concerns remain over the timeliness and effectiveness of the response.
Online reactions often focused on the severity of the act and the potential for repeated abuse. Samantha Bacon praised the neighbor who recorded the footage, noting,
Round of applause for the neighbor who shared the video. As heart breaking as it is to watch, they probably saved this kid from a long time of abuse. That man was too nonchalant for this to be the first time he’s hurt that little boy.
Samantha Bacon
LC Tolbert commented,
He’s been abusing her son. Its no way he’s that comfortable and she justs allows this disgusting behavior to occur. She is supposed to be her son’s protector. He has no one to save him. I pray the family steps in and get full custody of this innocent child. He needs a voice. He needs love.
LC Tolbert
Some users combined outrage with dark humor or warnings of vigilante justice. Susan Kerbo wrote,
Can we not get a group together and play what goes around comes around?? We could line up or form a circle !! This would be fun but we need to wear heavy boots !!! Come play with us !!!!
Susan kerbo
Others offered prayers and hopes for the child’s safety. Michelle Frisby remarked,
“Prayers for this baby and for help to prevent further abuse to him.”
Michelle Frisby
The role of the mother and girlfriend in enabling or ignoring abuse has drawn particular attention. Elaina Cardoza wrote,
I hope they charge the mom too for allowing that. I watched the video and mom tells the boy “he was just playing…” that was not a playful kick. That dude straight kicked him and that baby went flying and hit the ground hard. He cried so hard, he was gasping for air so that had to have hurt him. Smdh…
Elaina Cardoza
Lexie and the Chi underscored the girlfriend’s responsibility as well:
“If the mom defends the boyfriend—she’s just as vile, if not worse.”
Lexie
Many commenters also drew comparisons to previous high-profile abuse cases, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Juls Lopez remarked,
With the baby Emmanuel Haro (RIP) story , you would think authorities would be more alert to these situations and look more into it. I pray this baby involved is ok
Juls Lopez
The viral nature of the video has amplified both outrage and awareness. Eden Brooks noted,
For anyone wanting to see it which I don’t think anyone does. If you look his name up on TikTok it’ll come up
Eden Brooks
Other users highlighted the broader societal issue of step-parents and partners in caregiving roles, potentially putting children at risk. Ben Martin commented,
They both are guilty. Im astounded and disgusted at the stats of how likely stepdads and mom’s boyfriends are to molest, assault, or even kill her children. And some studies show increase in co-abuse. Women like this are picking guys like this and staying with them, to the detriment of the poor kids. No excuse for it. Kids first.
Ben Martin
As of now, there are no confirmed arrests. Authorities continue to investigate, while residents remain vocal online, demanding swift legal action to protect the child.
