Youth Basketball Coach and Father Face Charges After Alleged Post-Game Attack
A youth basketball game for second-grade players in Pennsylvania descended into chaos and violence, leading to the arrest of an assistant coach and her father. The incident, which occurred on February 1 at Holy Child School in Rosemont, resulted in injuries to the opposing coach, his wife, and their three-year-old daughter, according to Lower Merion police.
Altercation Erupts After Verbal Dispute During Game
The confrontation reportedly began during a Malvern Basketball League game involving children aged seven and eight. Brittany Ortiz, 38, of Malvern, an assistant coach, allegedly started shouting and cursing, sparking a verbal argument with the opposing team's assistant coach. Her father, William Stanley, 70, of Paoli, joined in, escalating the dispute with the opposing head coach, as detailed in an affidavit of probable cause reported by NBC 10 Philadelphia.
Physical Assault Leaves Multiple Victims Injured
After the game, the situation turned physical in the gym hallway. Witnesses told police that Ortiz grabbed the opposing coach's wife by the hair and slammed her to the ground, causing her head to strike the floor. This resulted in a concussion, a scalp contusion, and clumps of hair being pulled out, according to a criminal complaint.
As the opposing coach attempted to intervene while holding his three-year-old daughter, Stanley allegedly struck him in the head. Ortiz is accused of kicking him in the inner thigh and attempting to kick him in the groin. The toddler became hysterical, urinated on herself, and sustained a bruise on her leg during the attack. The coach suffered bruising to his inner thigh.
Legal Charges and Defense Claims
Ortiz faces multiple charges, including assault on a sports official, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, and harassment. Her unsecured bail was set at $10,000, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 5. Her attorney stated he plans to review the evidence and will vigorously defend her.
Stanley later turned himself in to authorities. His attorney, Nathan J. Schadler, told NBC10 that Stanley maintains his innocence and was taken to the hospital with broken bones and a head injury. We will be doing our own investigation and speaking to people who were there, Schadler said. My client asserts his innocence, and it was my client's family who called 911 and asked the police to show up in this matter.
Community and League Response
The Malvern Basketball League, which is not associated with the Catholic school where the incident occurred, has not publicly commented on the altercation. The Independent has reached out to Schadler and the league for further statements. This case highlights concerns over sportsmanship and safety in youth athletics, with authorities emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged assault on officials and bystanders, including a young child.
