Connecticut youth-football coach arrested after shoving 7-year-old, police say
Assistant coach for New Milford Bulls faces multiple charges after incident during a game with Water-Oak Youth Football Team; child not injured and coach was terminated.
A Connecticut youth-football assistant coach was arrested after police said he shoved a 7-year-old player from the opposing team to the ground during a game.
Daniel Fazio, 38, an assistant coach with the New Milford Bulls, allegedly roughed up the child on the field during a game against the Water-Oak Youth Football Team in New Milford, police said. The child was not injured, and Fazio was promptly fired by the Bulls following the incident, according to the team.
The accusation comes as authorities outlined the charges against Fazio, who was taken into custody by New Milford Police. He faces second-degree breach of peace, disorderly conduct and risk of injury to a child. He posted a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 2.
The New Milford Bulls released a statement indicating that the conduct displayed by the former assistant coach does not reflect the values of the program. “We do not condone the recent behavior displayed by our former assistant coach. The behavior of the individual is not representative of the sentiments, moral compass, or values of the entirety of the program,” the team said.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that the Bulls are cooperating with investigators. While the case has drawn local attention to youth-sports safety, officials cautioned that there is no information available to suggest other individuals were involved or that similar incidents occurred elsewhere.
The court schedule will determine the next steps in the criminal process, with prosecutors likely to outline additional details during the Oct. 2 hearing. In the meantime, the Water-Oak Youth Football Team and families involved have expressed concern for safety and a desire for clear measures to prevent similar incidents in youth sports.