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WEST OLIVE, Mich. -- The mother of a West Ottawa Middle School student claims that a football coach tackled her son, resulting in a concussion. Thirteen-year-old Patreon Williams, an eighth grader at Harbor Lights Middle School, says the incident occurred during a pass coverage drill last month. According to Patreon, the coach became upset, entered the drill, and tackled him, causing him to briefly lose consciousness.
Maria Williams, Patreon's mother, witnessed the event from the parking lot. She initially believed another student had tackled her son until he informed her that it was the coach. "I seen a kid go flying in the air to the ground," she told WOODTV.com. "My heart dropped... Those men... were huge compared to him."
After the incident, Maria took Patreon to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a concussion. The school district responded by firing the coach, stating that the "safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority." However, some parents are calling for the coach's reinstatement, expressing their views on social media.
Meanwhile, Patreon continues to experience dizziness and headaches, impacting his ability to play basketball, his favorite sport. He is uncertain when he will be able to return to the court. Despite the backlash from some peers blaming him for the coach's dismissal, Patreon maintains that the responsibility lies with the coach. "It’s his fault, because he’s the one that tackled me," he said.
Maria Williams expressed her concern and disappointment, feeling as though she let her son down by transferring him to the school where the incident occurred. She remains committed to ensuring her son's safety and well-being.