http://www.cbs46.com/story/26879563/8-y ... -fined-500
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA (CBS46) -
It turned out to be the pee wee football player's first touchdown and the first fine for the 8-year-old.
The Lawrenceville Black Knights were beating another team, 32-0, in the fourth quarter. No. 2 intercepted a pass and in the excitement of the moment forgot about the leagues mercy rule.
That touchdown passed the 33-point rule and cost the coach a week long suspension and the team $500.
"We were all super excited,he was beyond excited and we were fined for it," Brooke Burdett said. It was Burdett's son, Elijah Burrell, who caught the pass.
"He had no idea. This is his first year. This was his first touchdown. He is an 8-year-old boy making a pick-six."
Burdett said running up the score was not intentional. On the next play they even tried to let the other team score but Burdett said they refused to catch the ball.
"For the league to think we intentionally went out there to run the score up is absurd," football mom Chando John said.
John said she has been with the team for three years and wants the mercy rule changed.
"How do I explain to an eight year old kid that your coach has been suspended because your teammate unintentionally scored?" Chando asked. "It is hard having an 8-year-old in flight to think of everything everybody has said, other than I need to make a touchdown."
Burdett said they would have accepted a $100 fine, but said a $500 fine and the coach's suspension is excessive.
