Stadium Worker Beaten by 14-Year-Old at Kansas City Rap Concert Speaks Out

A 66-year-old Kansas City stadium worker says he was beaten by a 14-year-old boy during a NBA YoungBoy concert at the T-Mobile Center on Sunday night. The assailant remains unnamed and has not been charged, as detectives work with prosecutors to determine possible charges in Jackson County; because of the minor's age, the case would be handled by the Jackson County Family Court. The incident adds to concerns about security and behavior at large-venue events.

Thomas Schlange, who has worked at the arena for nearly two decades, told Fox4 that he intervened after noting the teen was seated in the wrong area. He was knocked to the floor and punched repeatedly as he tried to separate the youth from other fans, losing his glasses in the melee. Schlange described the assault as serious: "I mean it is serious; I went down and had blows to my head." He said he remained focused on protecting others as the crowd urged officers to intervene. Schlange is scheduled to meet with police on Friday as investigators continue their work.

The GoFundMe page set up for Schlange notes that he was already dealing with glaucoma and that the attack could threaten his remaining vision. Images posted there show a swollen nose and a bruised upper lip. In interviews and on social media, witnesses described a chaotic scene as the teenager attacked Schlange after being confronted about seating by other concertgoers.

Robert McDaniel, who captured the incident on video while at the show, told the Daily Mail that the teen was pointed out by other attendees as being in the wrong area. He said the assailant “beat him up because his ticket was in another section” and described crowds reacting with alarm as Schlange fought to shield others.

Authorities say detectives are actively coordinating with prosecutors to determine charges against the boy. Because he is 14 years old, any case would be prosecuted in Jackson County Family Court rather than Circuit Court. The Daily Mail reported that the court had not yet received a case.

NBA YoungBoy—whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden—continues to tour under MASA (Make America Slime Again). He was scheduled to perform in Chicago this week, but United Center announced the show was canceled with refunds issued. Officials did not specify whether the Kansas City incident played a role in the cancellation, and a link between the two events has not been established.

The episode has renewed discussion about venue safety and security protocols, especially at high-profile rap shows that draw large, energetic crowds. Schlange’s message to young adults is straightforward: “we need to learn how to control our anger.”