A shocking video showing a youth football coach twice striking one of his players has led to social media outrage, a lifetime ban, potential criminal charges and the coach losing his day job. Now, an inner-circle Hall-of-Famer is speaking out against the violence.
Bruce Smith, the NFL’s all-time leader in sacks, spoke to TMZ and called for the coach, Gerrel Williams, to face criminal charges. He also recalled his own experience being physically abused by a coach when he was a child.
The incident in question occurred Monday during the 9-and-under Savannah Gators’ opening game at the American Youth Football national championships in Kissimmee, Florida.