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Conn. youth football coach arrested after allegedly pushing 7-year-old player to the ground
The coach was also fired.
A youth football coach in Connecticut was arrested after allegedly pushing a 7-year-old player to the ground on Sunday.
There was a disturbance between two assistant coaches after the New Milford Bulls coach allegedly pushed a player from the opposing team, the Water-Oak 7U Team, after a play on the field, according to New Milford police.
No injuries were reported, police say.
The New Milford assistant coach, Daniel Fazio, 38, was charged with risk of injury to a child, disorderly conduct, and second degree breach of the peace, according to court documents.
Fazio was also fired from his coaching position. The New Milford Bulls wrote in a statement, “We as an organization are deeply disturbed by the actions that transpired by our former Assistant Coach. We are deeply sorry to the children that were affected.”
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In a second statement from the Bulls, the organization wrote, “In no way was the child on Water-Oaks 7U Team the aggressor in that situation; he was the victim.”
“There is never an acceptable reason to resort to physical discipline with a child. Period,” the organization continued. “We will continue to educate our children about sportsmanship and the rules of the game itself in a productive, proactive, and positive manner.”
Fazio was released from custody after settling 7% of his $20,000 bond. He is set to reappear in Torrington Superior Court on Oct. 2, according to court documents.
Statement from Daniel Fazio:
“We have chosen to remain silent until now in order to allow the proper legal process to unfold. However, given the recent one sided and inaccurate portrayal of events in the media and on social platforms, we feel it is important to clarify that the narrative presented to the public is both skewed and fabricated.
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We are confident that the facts will come to light in court and that these charges will ultimately be dismissed. As long standing members of this community, as professionals and as a family, we would never harm a child.
It is disheartening that in today’s environment individuals can be deemed guilty before having the opportunity to share their side of the story. We intend to vigorously fight these allegations and look forward to our day in court.
In the meantime, we respectfully ask that our family’s privacy be honored, that false narratives cease, and that the public keep in mind there are always two sides to every story – our side will be fully heard in court.”
First statement from New Milford Bulls organization:
Second statement:
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