Winter Park police respond to soccer dispute over 3-year-old

Martasia Griffin stood on the field in Winter Park, Florida, arguing with the athletic director of the i9 youth soccer league after her three-year-old son, Nevada Pierre, was removed from a match. The confrontation escalated on Saturday when the league official called 911, prompting police to intervene in what they later described as a civil matter.

The athletic director told the dispatcher that Griffin was an unruly parent who was livestreaming the interaction on social media. He stated that the dispute began because Nevada was advanced for his age and dominated the field, which led the director to swap him out to ensure other children received equal playing time.

Body camera footage released on Monday shows the officers speaking with the family. The athletic director claimed Griffin was following him around and calling him names in front of a large group of spectators. He requested that police help remove her from the park. The officers responded by telling Griffin that the league could no longer allow the family to participate in the program, though they could not force them to leave the public space.

Griffin told ABC News that she was advocating for her son, who trains three hours daily with his father. She said other parents complained that Nevada pushed the older children and yelled at him to pass the ball. According to Griffin, her son was scared when he saw the police officers and felt the experience damaged his spirit. She noted that Nevada plays in a league with five-year-olds, making his skill level a source of tension among the group.

The i9 Sports Experience website outlines a focus on fun and equal playing time regardless of talent. It also lists sportsmanship values that include inclusion and treating everyone fairly. The league stated in a written response that it is aware of the concerns and is conducting a review. The organization said it reached out to the family and would not share unverified information while it understands the circumstances.

During the on-field meeting, Griffin asked for a refund. The athletic director agreed to return the full amount the family paid. The officers advised the parents that the league would contact them within a week or two to process the payment. The family left the field on their own after the interaction concluded.

The athletic director did not respond to requests for comment from ABC News. Griffin added that the i9 league offered to place Nevada in another program for free, but the family declined because it was located three hours away from their home.

The incident highlights the friction between youth sports leagues that prioritize equal participation and the parents of exceptionally talented children who compete in age-based brackets. The release of the 911 audio and body camera video provides a detailed account of how the dispute unfolded and how local law enforcement managed the situation.