The youth football organization Pop Warner is investigating a video that went viral on social media this week showing a helmet-to-helmet collision during a practice drill that left one youngster laid out on the turf, according to a report.
“We are deeply disturbed by this video and are investigating. If, in fact, it was Pop Warner coaches leading these drills, we will take action,” Pop Warner spokesperson Brian Heffron told Fox News. “What we saw was dangerous and, frankly, offensive to the overwhelming majority of our coaches who teach the sport the right way. We expect every coach to adhere to mandated training and focus on the proper, safe progressions of tackling techniques, including practice against dummies, particularly at such a young age. Over the past 10 years Pop Warner has instituted a number of player safety rules, and this example runs counter to our practices.”
The video sparked outrage among former NFL players – many of whom are fathers – toward the unknown coaches. The connection between head injuries suffered in football and degenerative brain conditions such as CTE sparked a $1 billion lawsuit settlement by the NFL for retired players in 2016 and revolutionized rules and practice methods at all levels.
Here is a sampling of the angry reaction toward the eight-second video:
Former Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder wrote on Twitter, “This is child abuse. I know dozens of all pro/hall of fame players that didn’t play til they were 10+ years old. You aren’t helping ur kids. Whatever coach set up this drill for these babies needs to be fired and I would like to do this drill against him on his way out.”
Former Jets center Damien Woody wrote, “This is absolutely ridiculous by the coach.”
Former Giants offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz wrote, “This isn’t funny at all. This culture at the youth level needs to change.”
Former Eagles receiver Torrey Smith wrote, “Attention all parents! If your kid is doing this drill. Take your child off the field and don’t go back to those stupid coaches. Coaches like this aren’t safe and ruin the image of football.”
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