Coach Who Was Shot by Angry Parent at Football Practice Is Heartbroken That League Canceled Season

A volunteer football coach who was allegedly shot by a disgruntled parent during team practice last week said he’s “disappointed” the league canceled the rest of the season. 

Shaquille Latimore, a defensive coordinator with the St. Louis BadBoyz, a Missouri-based youth football team, received surgery last week he got shot four times, as The Messenger previously reported. 

Latimore got into a confrontation with Daryl Clemmons, 43, a parent who had been present during the team’s October 10 practice session. Clemmons was “upset with him for not starting his son” during the session, Latimore told police, according to a probable cause document obtained by The Associated Press. 

An argument between Latimore and Clemmons ensued, and Clemmons allegedly pulled out a gun and started firing at the coach in front of the kids, who were about 9 and 10 years old. 

“I didn’t see his gun until it was already too late,” Latimore told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “I ran, and he shot me in the back. I fell, and he shot me a couple more times.”

None of the kids were injured. Police responded to the scene and found the coach with “serious physical injury,” CNN reported. He was transported to the hospital, where he received surgery for his injuries. 

After the shooting, the City of St. Louis decided to suspend the BadBoyz from the CityRec Legends Football League, city spokesperson Nick Dunne said in a statement to CNN. 

“After a series of incidents perpetuated by adults which culminated in Tuesday’s (October 10) shooting, the Recreation Division decided to suspend the team’s participation in the CityRec Legends Football league,” Dunne said. “League rules are in place to ensure the protection of our youth participants, ages 5 to 13, and we will continue to uphold the rules to ensure this football season is safe and successful.”

That decision doesn’t sit well with Latimore. 

“I don’t know why they did that really. Our team is one of the best teams in that league. I am disappointed with their decision,” Latimore told KSDK.

“I love those kids. I want to tell them to keep their heads up. This is what a fighter looks like,” he said, after leaving the hospital on Wednesday.

Clemmons was charged with first-degree assault.