An assistant youth football coach in New Milford was arrested over the weekend after allegedly pushing a 7-year-old from an opposing team down to the ground.
Daniel Fazio, 38, of New Milford was charged Sunday with disorderly conduct, risk of injury to a minor and second-degree breach of peace, according to Lt. Katherine M. Relyea of the New Milford Police Department.
Relyea said the incident occurred as the New Milford Bulls were playing against the Water-Oak Youth Football Team at New Milford High School. Fazio was identified as a Bulls assistant coach.
“A disturbance occurred between two assistant coaches after a New Milford Bulls Coach pushed a 7-year-old football player for the Water-Oak team to the ground,” Relyea said in a statement.
Relyea said the incident occurred after a play that happened on the field.
Fazio posted a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Torrington Superior Court on Oct. 2.
Following the arrest, the New Milford Bulls announced that Fazio was no longer affiliated with the team.
“The New Milford Bulls organization does not condone the recent behavior displayed by our former assistant coach,” the statement said. “The behavior of one individual is not representative of the sentiments, moral compass or values of the entirety of the program. We have always and will continue to hold all our volunteers and representatives to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off the field. As a program, our core values and mission will continue to reflect respect, sportsmanship and integrity.”
Team officials said they are actively investigating the incident and addressing it “in accordance with our New Milford Bulls Board Bylaws and Code of Conduct….” They also said they are cooperating with police.
“We are committed to taking appropriate steps to ensure accountability and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all our athletes and families,” team officials said. “We as an organization are deeply disturbed by the actions that transpired by our former assistant coach. We are deeply sorry to the children that were affected.”