EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — A woman who talked to NewsNation local affiliate WSAV said her nephew was beaten during a rivalry football game, putting him in the hospital.
The incident happened on the field during the Effingham County High School (ECHS) v. South Effingham High School (SEHS) football game last Friday. LeAnn Chavis said the game was heated, but she believes some behavior was unacceptable and warrants further discipline.
In the game film, an ECHS football player can be seen pounding his fists on the back of SEHS player Gage Roberson during a field goal kick.
“He did not move towards the ball. He did not try to block the ball. He literally double hammer fisted Gage on his kidneys… on his back to hurt him, which he succeeded in doing,” Chavis, Gage’s guardian, said.
According to Chavis and the game film, there was no flag on the play. Roberson is seen walking to the sidelines, where Chavis said he then collapsed.
“[Gage] has contusions on his kidneys. They diagnosed him with abdominal contusions as well,” Chavis said.
That same ECHS player can be seen on camera during the same game punching a different player during a tackle.
“He’s punching him as he goes down. That’s just uncalled for, honestly,” Chavis said.
WSAV is choosing not to name the ECHS player or show the jersey number, since he may be a minor and no charges have been filed.
Roberson is back home, but Chavis said he’ll be unable to play for the next few games. While she’s glad he’s doing better, Chavis feels the player responsible needs to be disciplined.
“Gage was assaulted. This was not typical contact during a football game,” Chavis said.
WSAV News 3 reached out to the Effingham County School System to confirm if the ECHS player was suspended or disciplined in any way, but a spokesperson said they could not comment due to confidentiality.
Chavis said she hopes speaking to News 3 can hold everyone involved responsible and opens up a conversation to prevent this behavior from happening again.