Football coach allegedly attacks 12-year-old player - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A middle school football coach is arrested and charged with felony assault of a child, after he allegedly attacks a 12-year-old player at practice.

According to the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office, it happened on October 16 at Ni River Middle School. 21-year-old volunteer coach Joseph Bernard Hart kicked a 12-year-old player in the chest while at practice, knocking the child to the ground.

The victim is expected to be o.k. but police aren't sure what led up to the alleged attack.

What happened after the attack led to the arrest of the victim's father as well.

According to police, the son told his father what had happened and his father then confronted the coach and punched him.

The father, 43-year-old Maurice Smith was also arrested and charged with assault and battery.

Hart is not allowed on school property and was dropped as Ni's football coach.

Captain Mike Harvey with the Sheriff's Office says, what Hart allegedly did is considered bullying.

"We work extremely hard with our school system to discourage bullying," said Harvey. "So when we see something like this happen, especially from an adult in the school system, it's very disheartening."

Both men are scheduled to be arraigned next week.

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