Parents and onlookers are still coming to grips with the horrific scene they witnessed over the weekend at a youth basketball tournament game in Lakeville, Minn. As KARE 11, Fox 9, The Star Tribune and other media outlets throughout the state reported, 52-year-old Steven Wilson was arrested and charged with fifth-degree domestic assault after he reportedly grabbed his son and punched him in the face after a loss.
Witnesses reported seeing Wilson and his eighth-grade son -- whose name was not released -- walking down a hallway at Lakeville South (Minn.) High when the father grabbed the boy with one arm and began punching him in the face with the other.
Nearby parents had to physically intervene before the altercation was broken up. After calling local police to the scene, Wilson was arrested and spent the night in jail before posting $10,000 to get out without conditions.
The only positive news to come out of this disturbing situation was that Wilson's son didn't require medical attention.
"This assault is an example of particularly disturbing adult behavior on so many levels," Lakeville Police Chief Tom Vomhoff told KARE-11. "Parents attending youth sports events have such a great opportunity to be a positive role model for kids, and that is clearly not what happened here."
Parents attending the game told Fox 9 they hoped Wilson would be banned from games in the future. Quite honestly, seeing his son play in the future should be the least of Wilson's worries.
If charged, he faces a $3,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail. As the saying goes, everyone is innocent until proven guilty; but with so many parents witnessing the altercation, you hope Wilson gets what he deserves.
"It breaks your heart," onlooker Tara Falteysek told Fox 9. "I can't imagine how that young boy feels, that dad would do that to him -- and in front of friends."
Wilson is expected to be in court next month, but you hope between now and then that he seeks counseling and psychiatric help. He certainly needs it.
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