A Connecticut youth football coach’s arrest for allegedly shoving a 7-year-old opposing player exposes the dangerous erosion of adult responsibility and child protection in our communities.
Story Highlights
- Daniel Fazio, 38, assistant coach arrested for pushing 7-year-old opposing team player to ground
- Coach faces charges of risk of injury to minor, disorderly conduct, and breach of peace
- Incident occurred during public youth game, witnessed by families and officials
- Released on $20,000 bond with court date scheduled for October 2
Coach Arrested for Assaulting Child During Game
Daniel Fazio, a 38-year-old assistant coach for the New Milford Bulls youth football team, was arrested Sunday after allegedly pushing a 7-year-old player from the opposing Water-Oak Youth Football Team to the ground during a game at New Milford High School. Police responded immediately to the scene and arrested Fazio, who now faces three criminal charges including risk of injury to a minor, disorderly conduct, and breach of peace. Fortunately, no physical injuries were reported to the child victim.
The incident represents a shocking breach of trust between adults entrusted with children’s safety and the vulnerable young athletes under their supervision. Coaches hold positions of authority and are expected to model appropriate behavior, especially when emotions run high during competitive games. This alleged assault on a child demonstrates a complete failure of adult judgment and responsibility that should concern every parent involved in youth sports programs.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
Fazio was released the same day on $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on October 2 to face the charges. The swift police response and immediate arrest signal that law enforcement takes such allegations seriously, particularly when they involve harm to children. The multiple charges reflect the severity of allegedly using physical force against a minor in what should have been a safe, supervised environment.
This incident has prompted widespread media coverage and community concern about safety protocols in youth athletics. Parents who entrust their children to these programs expect coaches to protect and nurture young athletes, not physically assault them. The breakdown of this fundamental trust undermines the entire purpose of youth sports, which should teach character, teamwork, and positive values while keeping children safe from harm.
Broader Implications for Youth Sports Safety
The alleged assault highlights growing concerns about adult misconduct in youth sports nationwide and the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability measures. Community-based organizations like youth football leagues must implement rigorous background checks, mandatory training programs, and zero-tolerance policies for physical misconduct by coaches and volunteers. Parents deserve assurance that the adults supervising their children will prioritize safety over winning at any cost.
Conn. youth-football coach arrested for shoving 7-year-old player from opposing team to ground: cops https://t.co/8zqroeGP4S pic.twitter.com/2H6xYQEcDs
— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2025
This case may prompt necessary reforms in coach training and behavioral standards across Connecticut’s youth sports programs. The incident serves as a stark reminder that protecting children from predatory or abusive adults requires constant vigilance from parents, league officials, and community leaders who refuse to tolerate any threat to child safety.
Sources:
WLAD – New Milford Youth Football Coach Arrested
Ground News – Coach Arrested After Pushing Child
