A youth football game between the Morris Warriors and the Channahon Braves has sparked widespread outrage after parents alleged that several Braves players attacked a Warriors player during the game.
The incident, which reportedly left the young athlete with a bloody nose and a near concussion, has raised serious concerns about sportsmanship, coaching behavior, and the safety of young players on the field.
According to Paula Stilin, grandmother of the injured player, the confrontation took place after her grandson had already released the ball.
She claimed that several Braves players head-butted and punched him in the face three times during the game.
“They did it to him three times and ended up with almost a concussion and a bloody nose,” Stilin wrote online, calling the incident “unacceptable.”
Stilin accused the Braves’ coach of encouraging dirty play and behaving unprofessionally after the altercation.
“The coach told my son to fuck off! Totally unprofessional!” she alleged.
She also urged the Channahon Braves board to review the game footage and hold the coach and players accountable, adding that “they win because they bully.”
The post quickly drew attention and support from other parents and community members, many of whom expressed outrage over the behavior displayed on the field.
Sean Childers, who said he grew up in the Braves organization, expressed disappointment over how the team had changed.
“Thugs gonna thug. I grew up in that organization and am disgusted by what it has become. Parents and coaches should be disappointed,” he commented.
Others echoed his sentiment. Bob Reedy called the situation “terrible,” while Stephanie Gray Focht said,
“How awful. Hopefully they’ve been reported. I hope your grandson is okay. Sounds like the coach should be fired.”
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Beth Williams Reedy urged Stilin to report the incident to the league authorities, saying,
“There should be consequences for those boys!”
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Alma Villarreal Holm added,
“Give me the name of the school, please. I will be calling the school and board tomorrow. This is unacceptable.”
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As outrage spreads online, parents are demanding that the league board review video evidence of the game and take disciplinary action against the coach and players involved.
Many believe the incident reflects a larger issue within youth sports—where the focus on winning can sometimes overshadow respect, safety, and proper conduct.
For now, the Morris Warriors community is rallying around the injured player, hoping for accountability and change.
“Coaches are supposed to teach discipline and sportsmanship,” one commenter noted.
“If adults encourage violence, kids learn the wrong lessons.”
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The Channahon Braves organization has not yet issued an official statement addressing the allegations.
However, parents and community members are calling for a full investigation and stricter oversight to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
