Case Summary
- Case Type
- General Crime News
- Incident Date
- Oct. 27, 2026
- Incident Time
- 9:20 AM EDT
- Location
- Winter Park, FL, Winter Park, FL
- Investigating Agency
- NBC News US
- Victim Count
- 1
- Arrest Status
- No one was arrested
- Case Status
- Civil matter, not criminal
A youth soccer game in Winter Park, Florida, drew police response after an alleged dispute involving a 3-year-old player, his parents, and league officials sparked widespread online outrage and viral video footage.
The incident took place at a park in Winter Park, Florida, drawing attention from national figures and civil rights advocates following reports that officers were called to the scene over a disagreement regarding a toddler's participation in the sports league.
Incident Overview
According to the Winter Park Police Department and local police reports, officers responded to a call from a soccer league official who alleged a disturbance involving the parents of a 3-year-old player named Nevada Pierre. The young player's parents insisted that the toddler was scorned and removed from the game because he was playing too good during a Saturday match.
Conversely, the game's sports league director argued that the child was removed due to behavior and stated that his unruly parents were upset with their son's playing time. In a 911 dispatch call obtained by NBC News, the league official described the mother as disruptive and accused her of following him around and calling him names in front of other attendees. The child's mother, Martasia Griffin, stated in an interview that she merely spoke up for her son and that the family felt embarrassed by the police presence.
Suspect Information
No criminal suspects were identified in connection with the incident, as law enforcement determined the occurrence was a civil matter rather than a criminal offense.
Victim Information
The individual at the center of the dispute is 3-year-old Nevada Pierre, who plays soccer in a local league. According to videos shared on his official Instagram page by his parents, the toddler scored 10 goals during the weekend game despite being taken off the field early, with his family noting that he was playing alongside older children aged up to 5 years old.
Police Response
Officers from the Winter Park Police Department arrived at the park following the dispatch call from the league official. Upon arrival, law enforcement evaluated the situation and determined that the incident was a civil matter between the involved parties rather than a criminal violation. Authorities confirmed that no one was arrested, trespassed, or forced to leave the park.
Investigation
The Winter Park Police Department handled the initial response at the park, while the sports organization behind the youth program, i9 Sports, announced that it is reviewing the incident. Program representatives stated they reached out to the family and began a review process that includes speaking with those involved.
Evidence Collected
Physical and digital evidence referenced in reports includes 911 dispatch audio obtained by NBC News, video footage shared on the child's official Instagram page showing him playing soccer, and police reports detailing statements from both the family and league officials.
Arrest Details
No arrests were made during the incident. Police stated that the family was cooperative with responding officers and that the family noted the game was already over and they were leaving the area.
Charges Filed
No criminal charges were filed in this matter. Law enforcement officials explicitly classified the occurrence as a civil dispute rather than a criminal offense, meaning no statutory charges or penal code violations were assessed against any of the parties involved.
Court Information
There are no active court dockets, case numbers, or judicial proceedings associated with this incident, as Winter Park police handled the call as a non-criminal civil matter without issuing citations or criminal complaints.
Statements from Authorities
The Winter Park Police Department released a statement regarding the call, noting: The incident was a civil matter between those parties and not criminal. No one was arrested, trespassed, or forced to leave the park. The department added, The league requested the family leave and offered to refund the league cost to the family. The family stated the game was over and they were leaving. The family was cooperative with the officers. Additionally, i9 Sports stated: We are aware of concerns being shared regarding an incident at a local i9 Sports program, and we take them very seriously. The organization added that it reached out to the family and began a review that includes speaking with those involved, emphasizing that the respectful treatment and well-being of every child and family matter deeply.
Public Safety Information
Civil disputes at public parks and youth sporting events can occasionally escalate tensions between families and league organizers. Authorities advise community members to maintain calm communication and utilize administrative channels or league management to resolve civil disagreements rather than involving emergency dispatch services for non-emergency scheduling or participation disputes. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or needs immediate assistance, please contact emergency services by dialing 911.
What Happens Next
Because law enforcement determined the dispute was entirely civil in nature and no criminal charges were brought forward, the matter will not proceed through the criminal court system. Resolution of the disagreement depends on administrative reviews conducted by the sports league and discussions between the league's management and the player's family.
