“Nevada deserves to be around someone that looks like him that can understand him,” former U.S. men’s national soccer team player Eddie Johnson wrote, offering to train 3-year-old Nevada Pierre following a confrontation that drew police to a Winter Park, Florida youth soccer match.
An EJE7 Academy Offer Follows Winter Park Police Call
Johnson, who runs the EJE7 Soccer Academy in Orlando, Florida, stepped forward after learning of the encounter. He criticized what he views as barriers facing children of color in youth soccer, describing the sport as a rich suburban sport controlled by privileged, entitled parents.
The dispute unfolded on Saturday, October 24. League director Thomas Hayes told police that Nevada was really advanced compared to the other players and scored many goals, but alleged that the toddler also pushed other children. Hayes said he called the police after a disagreement with Nevada’s parents, whom he accused of being disruptive.
Family Alleges Retaliation Over Toddler’s Skill
In police body-camera footage reviewed by CBS News, Nevada’s mother, Martasia Griffin, told responding officers, “They’re literally kicking him out of this place because he’s good at soccer.”
Nevada’s father, Don Pierre, added in a family video, “They called the police on a 3-year-old because he’s too good.”
Former Soccer Star Eddie Johnson Offers to Train 3-Year-Old After Police Were Called Over Dispute About His Gameplay https://t.co/O1y6SOyEsA
League Points to Adult Conduct in Statement
An i9 Sports representative told ESPN that police were called over a disturbance between adults rather than because of the child. “A league official called police to report a disturbance between adults at the game and to help de-escalate it,” the statement read, describing the parents as disruptive.
The organization stated it reviewed witness interviews and police materials but possessed no video of the incident.
Former U.S. soccer star Eddie Johnson is stepping in to help 3-year-old Nevada Pierre after the child was caught up in a viral dispute at a Florida youth soccer game that led to police being called. Johnson has offered to train Nevada at his Orlando-based soccer academy, saying… pic.twitter.com/n01rbHYQCS
Police Officers Classify Encounter As Civil Matter
Police reported that no one was arrested or removed from the park, classifying the matter as civil rather than criminal, according to CBS News.
GoFundMe Surpasses Goal With Over $45,000 Raised
Following the incident, Griffin launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Nevada’s soccer development. The fundraiser has raised more than $45,000, surpassing its $30,000 goal.
Griffin stated that the donations will cover registration fees, training, equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses.
