Youth Football Coach Accused Of Having 'Hit List' -- Games Canceled As City Investigates
WKMG-TV, October 8, 2005


LEESBURG, Fla. -- The city of Leesburg is investigating accusations that a youth football coach created a "hit list" of children and ordered his players to injure them at a recent game, according to a Local 6 News report.

During an Oct. 3 youth football game in Leesburg, 11-year-old player James Morris had his wrist shattered when he was intentionally tripped by another player after a touchdown, Local 6 News reported.

After the injury, allegations surfaced that Morris' name was on a "hit list" created by opposing team coach Jeff Bennett.

A Local 6 News investigation discovered that some parents claim to have seen the coach's hit list and others even claim to have heard Bennett give an order to target James, according to the report.

Bennet has denied the accusations.

"I never said that," Bennett said. "I don't know where that came from. I have never said that. My son plays on my team. I teach my son good ethics. I teach all of our kids good ethics. I just don't know where they are getting that from."

Morris' mother, Kathleen Morris, wants to know if her son's injury was intentionally caused and if he was on a hit list.

"To know that his arm may not grow correctly -- it is understandable that a child can get hurt in football but not on purpose," Morris said. "It is not right."

All youth football games in Leesburg have been canceled while the city investigates.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

Copyright 2005 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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