Police investigating incident between football player and coach during practice
The player’s parents say their son was sitting on the bench when an assistant coach grabbed a football helmet and threw it toward the boy’s face.
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Suffolk County police are investigating an incident involving a 16-year-old Commack High School football player and an assistant coach during practice.
The player’s parents say their son was sitting on the bench when an assistant coach grabbed a football helmet and threw it toward the teen. As the player was standing up, the helmet hit him in the face.
“He saw the coach grab his helmet, running up to him… and threw the helmet, he said overhand, I guess like a dart, really hard…” said Laura Werner, the boy’s mother. “The face mask hit him and cut him. He was bleeding all over the place.”
The teenager was taken to the hospital, where he received three stitches under his right eye. His parents say he also needs to be evaluated for a possible concussion.
The boy’s father, Cary Werner, said he is concerned about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the person involved.
“My son had somebody that was not a certified coach or trainer, a volunteer, and his health, well-being and safety was put at risk,” Cary Werner said. “And I think there were some things that slipped through the cracks.”
The parents say the assistant coach is not an employee of the Commack School District but is the son of the team’s head coach.
The Commack School District confirmed that the coach was a board-appointed volunteer.
It also said in a statement that it takes allegations involving student safety and well-being seriously and is cooperating fully with Suffolk County police.
“My son’s been playing football since he’s 7 years old. He has never had any issues… I’ve never seen this before. I don’t know what to say. I’m very shocked at this whole thing,” said Laura Werner. “This cannot go on ever again. This cannot happen. You’re working with children.”
