Soccer Hooligan?

A small "scandal cloud" has been forming lately within the G.L.S.A. (Greater Longview Soccer Association).

Yesterday, a player (who requested to remain nameless) from the Longview Sidekicks lodged a formal complaint with the G.L.S.A Board of Appeals. This was in regards to the recent U-19 Division II Semi-Finals game, in which the Longview Roust A Bouts won over the Longview Sidekicks 1-7.

The complaint requested that the Longview Roust A Bouts be disqualified for "Conduct Unbecoming of a G.L.S.A. Player". The disgruntled player, who's first name is Bradley, alleged that this inappropriate behavior was of a "sexual" nature.



In a statement included in the appeal, Bradley said,

"As soon as he rubbed up against me, I immediately felt..."it". I quickly became terrified...and felt..trapped. After that moment, I...I just couldn't play right...I...I just felt so...dirty. I think my whole team could feel it. And that's about the time the game went from a competitive 1-3 to an unapproachable 1-7. Ever since that day, I can't even put on a pair of shin pads without feeling...just afraid."

After reading this boy's stirring account, we decided to do a follow-up to see if any action had been taken.

In a reply from the G.L.S.A. President Mike Withrow, The Appeals Committee turned down the case, apparently because they could not find where an allegation "of this nature" conflicted with or even was mentioned in the association's bylaws, and therefore could take no disciplinary or reparatory action.

The Sidekicks countered with the argument that the afore mentioned player violated Bylaw 3.5 Section 4-c (Players Equipment) "A player shall not wear anything or use any equipment, which is dangerous to himself or to another player."

At this time, neither Bradley, nor the Sidekicks have had any further acknowledgement, and no further action has been taken by the G.L.S.A.

The Roust A Bouts player in question, could not be reached for comments.