Horrifying high school soccer assault prompts police investigation
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Police are looking into two apparent assaults tied to a South Dakota boys’ high school match, according to a report from Keloland News.
The viral incident occurred between Rapid City Central’s Jaxson Bergman and Brookings’ Kyle Soost during a game last week. Prior to halftime, the two fought for the ball and collided before Bergman escalated things by shoving Soost to the ground instead of chasing down the ball.
While Soost was on the ground, Bergman kicked him in the back of the head before punching him five times in the head.
Brookings police chief Michael Drake told Keloland News they will be interviewing more than 100 witnesses and viewing multiple videos outside of the one that went viral — and garnered over 20 million views — for its investigation.
As a result of the incident, the game was delayed 10 minutes, and Bergman was given a red card.
According to the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s (SDHSAA) rules, a player who receives a red card must serve a one-game suspension and take a sportsmanship course.
SDHSAA executive director Dan Swartos told Keloland News it was an “unacceptable scenario.”
DEVELOPING
During yesterday's boys' soccer game between Rapid City Central & Brookings in Brookings, a physical altercation between players stopped the game with 3:48 left in the 1st half.
Stoppage lasted about 10 minutes, game resumed
📹https://t.co/9n01nzSs2s#SDPreps pic.twitter.com/lr4dS36jNk
“Any time anyone’s ejected, per our rules, they miss the next game and they have to take a sportsmanship course,” Swartos said. “It’s mostly a school decision. Now, if it’s something to where we strongly disagree with with what they do, it’s something that where we could push it a little bit farther. We do have some rules to do that, but in general, we’d like to leave that up to the school and their own policies that they have.”
A steep punishment at school could also be in store for Bergman.
The Rapid City School District’s code of conduct policy states that students who are “found guilty of physically or verbally assaulting students or school personnel” could see a suspension or be expelled if the incident occurs on school property while taking part in a school-related activity.
“Rapid City Central is aware of an incident involving a player from our soccer program and players from another South Dakota team during a soccer match,” a Rapid City statement provided to Keloland News read. “We expect all students to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and appropriate behavior at all times, both on and off the field. We do not condone behavior that does not meet these expectations. Appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with RCAS policies and procedures.”
Brookings superintendent Summer Schultz added: “We recognize there are questions about what happens next. Student disciplinary matters are private, including between school districts. While we cannot share those details, we can continue to support our students, reflect on the lessons we can take from this experience, and maintain the expectation that school athletics should help young people become better competitors, teammates, and people.”
As the video of the incident caught more and more attention online, soccer fans were quick to call for Bergman’s ban from the sport.
Schultz went on to remind those invested in the situation that it has received “national attention,” and it ultimately is dealing with “young people.”
“It’s not something that should happen in sports or anywhere else,” he said.