Florida Youth Football Coach Accused of Choking 15-Year-Old Girl After His Daughter’s Game — Teen Says She Feared She Would Black Out

A youth flag football game in Florida ended in a violent confrontation after two teenage players clashed during the postgame handshake. The father of one player, who was also her coach, is accused of putting the opposing 15-year-old girl in a chokehold while adults rushed into the fight.

What should have been an ordinary youth sports competition turned into a frightening scene at Greenview Shores Park in Wellington, Florida. On October 20, 2026, a disagreement between two teenage players escalated into a physical fight shortly after their flag football game ended. But the situation became even more serious when one girl’s father, who was also coaching her team, allegedly intervened and put the opposing player in a chokehold.

The 15-year-old girl, identified as Sophia Lopez, told investigators and local media that the argument began during the postgame handshake. She said she exchanged words with the opposing player, who allegedly became angry after a comment about losing the game. Sophia claimed the other girl grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground. What happened next, she said, was something she never expected: the other player’s father, 37-year-old Brandon Mayer, allegedly wrapped his arm around her neck from behind and began squeezing.

Sophia later described the terrifying sensation of struggling to breathe. In an interview with CBS 12 News, she said the pressure around her neck became so intense that she feared she would lose consciousness. She recalled feeling trapped and unable to escape. Her father, Ryan Lopez, who was also coaching the opposing team, reportedly noticed what was happening and rushed in to protect his daughter. According to the police affidavit, he attempted to break up the confrontation, and several people fell to the ground during the struggle.

Witness accounts provided to deputies described Mayer placing his arm around Sophia’s neck in what investigators characterized as a choking hold. One witness reportedly said the hold lasted approximately 15 seconds. The affidavit also states that Mayer’s daughter kicked Ryan Lopez in the face as he tried to get back up. Sophia was taken to a hospital for evaluation after the incident, with a reported red scratch on the right side of her stomach.

Mayer, however, gave police a different account. He told deputies that he had been packing up equipment when he heard the commotion and saw the two girls fighting. He claimed he positioned himself between them and placed his arms out to separate them. According to the affidavit, he denied grabbing Sophia by the neck or body and demonstrated how he said he had positioned his hands. His daughter also gave investigators a different version, saying she had been trying to get free after the group fell to the ground.

Following the investigation, Mayer was arrested on October 28 on suspicion of felony battery by strangulation. His teenage daughter was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. Mayer was released on bond the following day. At the time of the initial PEOPLE report, prosecutors had not yet filed formal charges against him. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Mayer has denied choking the teenager.

The incident has left the families involved facing a difficult aftermath. Sophia’s parents have spoken publicly about their concerns and their desire for accountability. For them, a youth sporting event should have been a safe environment where children could compete, learn and enjoy the game. Instead, their daughter says she experienced a frightening confrontation involving an adult who should have been helping keep the players safe.

The investigation highlights how quickly tensions during children’s sporting events can escalate when adults become involved in disputes between young players. As the legal process continues, the central question will be what exactly happened during those chaotic moments after the final whistle — and whether the evidence supports the allegations against the coach.

Source: PEOPLE