Two Moms Brawl at Under 8 Football Game in Rhode Island - Police Respond

Two Moms Brawl at Under 8 Football Game in Rhode Island - Police Respond

Police were called to a fight between two moms in the stands of a Pee-Wee football game in Rhode Island over the weekend, GoLocal has learned. 

The physical altercation involved parents in the North Providence Jets organization and was reportedly over children's playing time. 

Now, the head of the Jets has threatened action against those involved in what he called "disgusting" conduct, vowing to bench players in the future if their families are involved in any fighting. 

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Police Reports Detail Situation

On Sunday at approximately 11:45 in the morning, police responded to North Providence High School for a report of two females fighting in front of the concession stand at the football field. 

According to Patrolman Grande, upon arrival, police were advised that all parties involved in the altercation had left the scene.

"A short time later, a female, later identified as Kayla Card was speaking with the league president, identified as [readacted]. We located the two parties talking halfway through their conversation," said Grande. "It was learned that Ms. Card had an issue with playing time for Jets Football for her son. She advised that she was assaulted 'by 8 people' regarding the playing time and that her nephew fractured his arm at practice. When we asked her to tell us the story from the beginning she advised that she was done talking and did not wish to press charges."

Grande wrote that Card was "uncooperative on scene and did not wish to speak with us further."

"I spoke with and he was able to provide me with the other female involved," said Grande. "The female was identified as Amber Spaur. Ms. Spaur was not on the scene at this time. We contacted IT Director Nahigian and he attempted to locate video footage from the incident, however, there were no cameras that viewed the area in front of the concession stands. I responded back to the high school and spoke with [redacted] again in an attempt to locate any video footage that may show the altercation."

Police said a video of the altercation was obtained and was uploaded into this report, but that the quality of the video "was not clear and we were unable to observe any punches thrown."

"There were approximately 30 people that appeared to be arguing, however, I did not observe any physical assault," according to Grande. "[Redacted] advised that if any other video footage is obtained will send it to my department email for further investigation."

Grande said he advised that the individuals involved "should not be allowed to attend any further sporting events at the high school" and that the league said if they do return, they will contact police for a potential no trespass order.  

Due to a lack of evidence, police said there were no arrests made at this time and that future charges will be pending if further evidence is obtained.  

Another officer, Sgt. Bursie, also provided an incident statement, after asking a league official to come to the station on Monday.

According to Bursie, "[Redacted] responded to headquarters at [11:30 AM] to complete a statement. In his statement, [redacted] explained that an incident had occurred at a practice approximately 2 weeks prior involving Kayla Card and Amber Spaur. After the game on [October 6], Card had approached coach [redacted] regarding playing time. During the conversation, Card made reference to Spaur's [redacted] which Spaur overheard. Spaur then became angry and approached Card, telling her to [redacted]."

"[Redacted] explained that at that time, Card 'started throwing hands' towards Spaur, and struck another parent...in the face 3 times," wrote Bursie. "Spaur then 'got physical' with Card. At that time, several other witnesses got involved and attempted to break up the fight between Spaur and Card. [Redacted] explained that during this altercation, there were 'several kids in the area that were crying and scared.'"

 

Message to Families 

GoLocal obtained a copy of an email sent by League President Josh Johnson to Jets’ families following the altercation, in which he wrote the following. 

I am writing this email to all of you to keep you informed of the situation that happened at the end of the JPW 8U game on Sunday between two parents. This was an isolated incident and was not a result of anything to do with league operations. 

The North Providence Police Department is handling the criminal investigation as they have received video of the incident and have interviewed several bystanders. The Jets organization will take out own action as we believe there is no place in youth sports for this disgusting behavior between adults.

The fact that there were other issues during the day in the bleachers amongst our own NP parents and fans on Sunday is only hurting the parents and cheerleaders.

With that being said if there are any issues with anyone from NP on Sunday at Oakwood we will be cancelling the homecoming parade. The players that are attached to any parents or fans that act out of line and violate the code of conduct will be suspended for the next game. 

PHOTO: Unsplash/Anushka Srivastav