Diane Harper - Colorado
Youth Hockey
Harper was injured after taking part in a brawl between
parents at an Englewood, Colorado youth hockey game. Harper was cracked in the
back of the head after she got involved with other parents after her son was
taken out at the knees during a game.
Coach Dave Nilles said the brawl
broke out Sunday when players started yelling at each other and parents
intervened.
"You have to really understand the sport of hockey to
understand the ferocity of parents," Nilles said. "The tensions were very high.
"It was a very lively game."
Police said they would determine Monday
whether to file charges.
The game was between two teams tied for first
place in the Colorado competitive youth hockey league's midget division, for
players ages 15 to 17. The game was halted for about a half hour after the
brawl. Arvada went on to defeat the Arapahoe County team 4-1.
The
issue of parental violence at youth sports received North American attention
after Thomas Junta, 44, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for beating
Michael Costin, 40, on July 5, 2000, at a rink. He was sentenced last week to
six to 10 years in prison. |
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