City of Gulfport Takes Action Following Youth Football Championship Incident

GULFPORT, Mississippi – January 17, 2024 – Following the events at a youth football championship game at Milner Stadium on Nov. 3, 2023, the City of Gulfport announces disciplinary actions based on the Youth Football Committee’s findings.

The incident, which raised issues of supervision and conduct, has prompted the city to take firm steps to uphold the values and safety of youth sports.

The incident involved a fight that started in the stands. No players were involved in the incident.

Key Measures:

*   Suspension of Two Coaches: Two coaches involved are suspended from coaching in any Department of Leisure Services programs for one year, effective from the incident date.
*   Reprimand of Two Additional Coaches: Two other coaches involved have received official reprimands from the Department of Leisure Services, underscoring the need for adherence to conduct and ethical standards in youth sports.
*   Public Safety Plan: In response to these events, the city is updating the Leisure Services “Public Safety Plan” to enhance event supervision, crowd control, and security at youth sports events.

“We are committed to fostering a space where youth sports are synonymous with safety, respect, and personal growth. This is a step towards a brighter future for our community’s young athletes,” said Mayor Billy Hewes.

The city formed a special committee in November after the incident, tasked with reviewing the city’s youth sports programs. This commission is charged with providing recommendations to improve the sports offerings in the city. The committee was chaired by Bryan Caldwell and included Brittney Reese, Craig Petersen and Shaheed Ali, to work with Leisure Services and city leaders..

Next Steps:
The City of Gulfport is dedicated to transforming its youth sports programs to emphasize respect, teamwork, and integrity. These actions reflect a deep commitment to the well-being and development of young athletes in our community.