In a post-game incident that drew attention online, Osceola High School football player Deizel Freeman expressed remorse to his mother for “letting her down” after a confrontation with an opposing player.
The situation unfolded after the game when an opponent reportedly put his hands on one of Deizel’s best friends.
Deizel’s mother, Paige Horton, clarified that her comments were not directed at the Osceola School District or the coaches, praising them for their support and discipline.
“This post has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Osceola School District or the coaches! They have all been wonderful! Deizel knew what he did had consequences, and I know that the coaches punished him appropriately,” Horton wrote.
Horton highlighted her son’s loyalty and protective nature, explaining that she was proud of him for standing up for a teammate. She said,
“He text me and said he was sorry for letting me down, but that kid put his hands on one of his best friends. I assured him he didn’t let me down. I was proud of him for his loyalty and protective instinct.”
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She described Deizel as a teenager with a strong moral compass and a deep sense of teamwork.
“He has the biggest heart. He knows the definition of ‘Team.’ He is loyal. He is protective. He loves his teammates,” Horton shared.
She also emphasized the importance of balancing these qualities with self-control, noting that they had discussed ways to manage his temper in challenging situations.
Horton defended her son’s actions, noting that Osceola High did not provoke the incident and criticized online commentators who portrayed the opposing team as victims. She added,
“It’s clear as day that Osceola did NOT start what happened on that field. Newport can act like victims all they want. Just watch the last play and how them boys left the field.”
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She also stressed the realities of football as a sport, emphasizing that it is not meant to be soft. Horton stated,
“All I’m saying is… I’m NOT going to discipline my son for being loyal and protective when a threat is presented, especially when it’s football. It’s not a SOFT sport, so if your kid is soft… they should be in ballet, not football.”
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Throughout the situation, Horton made it clear that her support for her son goes beyond parental loyalty.
She emphasized that she values the integrity, loyalty, and protective instincts that make Deizel the young man he is becoming.
