Oct. 19, 2009 (United Press International) -- The president of the Pop Warner League says a youth football coach in Wilmington, Mass., was removed pending an investigation into a clash with a parent.
League President Deb Smith confirmed coach William Reynolds was removed in response to a physical altercation he had with Michael VonKahle, whose son participates in the non-profit organization's youth football league, The Boston Globe (NYSE:NYT) said Monday.
"Violence should not be a part of youth sports at all," Smith said of last Friday's incident at a football practice. "We are here to set an example."
Police said the incident began when VonKahle, 48, arrived late at practice with his 12-year-old son, Tyler. When Reynolds attempted to punish the child for being late by making him run laps, VonKahle intervened and a heated exchange began.
A physical altercation soon followed with both men accusing the other of throwing the first punch, police said.
As a result of the incident, VonKahle was left with a shattered eye socket, a broken nose and a concussion. It was not reported if Reynolds was hurt in the altercation.
While no charges were filed in connection with the fights, VonKahle's family told the Globe it intends to pursue criminal charges against Reynolds, whose age was not reported.
