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Pop Warner, one of the largest youth football organizations in the country, has launched an investigation after a man was accused of targeting coaches from an opposing team with racial slurs at a tournament earlier this month.
Video of the incident, which reportedly occurred after the Division II, 12U quarterfinal match, appears to show a man affiliated with the Highlands Ranch Mountain Lions hurling a racial slur at coaches of the Hamden Hurricanes, their opponent.
Pop Warner released a statement to Fox News on Friday (December 16), saying the organization would hold an "investigative hearing" next week that could result in "disciplinary action."
"A video has come to our attention showing adults, reported to be associated with a Pop Warner team, using racist and threatening language toward coaches from another team. The disturbing behavior shown in the video is inconsistent with our code of conduct and the expectations we have of our adult volunteers," the statement read. "If the panel finds that any of the adults engaging in the verbal assault are, in fact, associated with a Pop Warner team they will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension from Pop Warner activity."
In the video obtained by TMZ Sports, Hurricanes staff appear to be attempting to distance themselves from a man shouting racial slurs toward them at a hotel where both teams were reportedly staying. The encounter came hours after the game where Highlands Ranch coaches and fans allegedly used racially charged words toward players of the opposing team, TMZ reports.
Pop Warner denounced the incident, per Fox News.
"One thing is clear: the abhorrent conduct and language exhibited in this video are unacceptable. Our organization is committed to a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all young people and their families. No one should ever encounter this kind of behavior. We will take all measures necessary to address the situation."
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