Winter Park Soccer League Calls Police On Mother Over 3-Year-Old's Playing Time

Martasia Griffin stood on a soccer field in Winter Park, Florida, on Saturday, asking for a refund after police officers arrived to mediate a dispute involving her 3-year-old son, Nevada Pierre. The incident occurred during an i9 youth soccer match where Nevada, who plays in a league with 5-year-olds, was being substituted out to allow other children equal playing time.

The conflict escalated when the league's athletic director called 911. In the 911 audio released by police, the director described Griffin as an "unruly parent" who was "really really disruptive" and live-streaming their interaction. He requested that officers remove her from the scene, stating he wanted her to be gone quickly.

Griffin told ABC News that the argument began after she learned her son was about to be benched. She said she had watched him be sidelined in previous games and felt he deserved to play. "I was only walking behind him because he said that he's the director," Griffin said. "So I'm trying to figure out what are you gonna do? Like my son should play."

The athletic director explained in the body camera footage that he made the call because Griffin was documenting the exchange on social media. He noted that Nevada is "very advanced" for his age and scores many goals. The director stated that the parents told him he was "ignorant" when he tried to instruct Nevada to stop pushing other children and to play with specific teammates.

The i9 Sports Experience website outlines a philosophy focused on fun and inclusion, promising "equal playing time regardless of talent level." Their values list emphasizes being a team player and ensuring everyone is treated equally. Despite these stated goals, Griffin claimed other parents encouraged their children to push her son on the field.

Police officers told the family during the interaction that the situation was a "civil" matter and not a criminal one. Because the park is a public space, officers could not force the family to leave, but they noted the league could end the family's participation. Griffin requested a refund, and the director agreed to return the money paid.

In a statement released to ABC News, the i9 program said it was "aware of concerns" regarding the incident and had begun a review involving those present. The league said it reached out to the family and would not share unverified information while it investigates. The athletic director did not respond to a request for comment.

Griffin said Nevada was "scared as if he did something wrong" when he saw the police. The family left the field on their own after officers told them the league would contact them about the refund within a week or two. Griffin noted that the league offered Nevada a free spot in another program three hours away, an offer the family declined.