A volunteer youth football coach in St. Louis was shot in the back in front of his young team on Tuesday, allegedly by a disgruntled father upset about his son’s playing time, according to prosecutors. The coach, Shaquille Latimore, was reportedly shot four times by Daryl Clemmons, following a weeks-long dispute that escalated during a recent practice session.
Latimore, 30, recounted the incident, saying he didn’t notice Clemmons’ gun until it was too late. He attempted to flee but was shot in the back, falling to the ground where he was shot several more times. Clemmons, a former coach of the same team, allegedly taunted Latimore while he was on the ground before other adults intervened.
Latimore told authorities that Clemmons was disgruntled because his son wasn’t getting enough playing time. Clemmons, 43, has since been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
Latimore serves as an assistant coach for a city recreational team, the St. Louis BadBoyz, comprised of 9- and 10-year-olds. He also coaches alongside his cousin. Latimore admitted to being armed when he arrived at the field, citing the location’s high crime rate, but handed his weapon to another adult before practice began.
Clemmons turned himself in after the shooting. Latimore, a married father of five, was taken to the hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition.
The victim’s mother, SeMiko Latimore, described the shooting as “senseless.” She expressed her concern for the young players who witnessed the incident, stating that the aim was to guide these children, not traumatize them.
This incident is not an isolated case. There have been several instances of parents lashing out at coaches over disagreements. In August, a Virginia father was arrested for allegedly assaulting his son’s youth soccer coach, leaving the victim with a black eye and a swollen face.