Maine dad faces backlash after assisting special needs daughter during softball
A Maine father who’s been assisting his special needs daughter during softball games has found himself in the middle of social media pickle.
Lexi Nevells, 12, has Mowat-Wilson syndrome, which slows development in speech, intelligence and physical abilities. She’s been playing organized softball for at least four years, according to the Portland Press Herald.
When Lexi first started playing the sport, her father, Scott Nevells, stood behind her to help her swing at pitches to make contact. But since graduating from Cal Ripken to Little League, some parents and league officials have balked at his presence on the field, the Press Herald reports.
After a heated verbal confrontation with a parent from an opposing team in April, the administrator of the league said Scott Nevells should not be on the field.
In response, an online petition titled “Let Lexi play!” was created last week. As of Friday, its collected almost 1,000 signatures in support of Lexi and her father.
A statement was posted on the league’s Facebook page on May 27 to address the allegations in the petition and an appeal for “optimal adult behavior.”
The goal of Little League is to allow every child to play no matter their limitations at the level and Program that is safest for the player. This parent was offered that choice and he flatly refused. The District stands behind Hollis Little League and applauds their efforts to make this a safe environment for all the players while adhering to rules surrounding this level of play. Please show your support for Hollis Little League.
Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald.
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