UPDATE
By USA TODAY High School Sports
USA TODAY High School Sports is a partner of High School Football America
An ugly postgame incident in which the family of a player who was kicked after his helmet flew off during the game entered the opposing team’s locker room and allegedly attacked four players is under investigation.
During the annual rivalry game between Lakewood and Long Beack Millikan, Lakewood star running back Victor Bates lost his helmet while being tackled on a running play. As he attempts to get up, a Millikan player comes toward the pile and kicks the helmetless Bates in the head. Some of the linemen jump in to defend Bates.
No penalty was called on the play and Lakewood won the game 34-14, but the incident did not end there.
After the game, a member of Bates’ family is alleged to have entered the Lakewood locker room and “attacked” four Millikan players, according to a statement posted on the Millikan Football Facebook page.
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“A Lakewood player’s family pushed the security guard aside and then attacked four of our players,” the statement reads. “Two were struck in the face and two were grabbed by the neck. Physically bruised but I am sure emotionally not okay. This all happened in less than 30 seconds and the family was out before the coach and trainer could do something. Security did nothing to stop the family from leaving.”
The statement said the Millikan administration is working with Lakewood to file a police report and that the identity of the alleged assailant is known. Police from the Lakewood station of the Los Angeles Sherrif’s Department told USA TODAY High School Sports on Monday that they were unaware of the incident.
“Thank you for your concern and support. This is very disgusting and breaks my heart that our players were subjected to this. … The coaching staff and administration are not allowed to release names and to talk about this as it is an ongoing investigation. Please be patient and we will keep you informed at every turn.”
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Original story
by Jeff Fisher, High School Football America
It seems we can’t get through a weekend without having to report about some sort of violent act occurring on the field. The latest incident happened Friday night in a Southern California game between Lakewood and Millikan.
According to a report by Chris Fore on his website CoachFore.org, you can watch video (above) of a Milikan player (#29 in white) kick at the head of a Lakewood player who he identifies as Victor Bates, whose helmet came-off during the play. According to Fore’s story, no flag was thrown on the play.
High School Football America has placed a call to Lakewood head coach Jimmy Nolan for comment on the incident.
We’ll have more as the story develops.
Editor’s Note: Chris Fore’s Champions’ Locker Room is featured on highschoolfootballamerica.com.
