A youth football coach in St. Louis, Shaquille Latimore, was shot four times during a practice on Tuesday night. The alleged shooter, Daryl Clemmons, is a parent who was reportedly angry that his son wasn’t getting enough playing time. Latimore, who is currently in critical but stable condition, underwent surgery after the attack.
According to Latimore, Clemmons had previously confronted him weeks ago over his son’s lack of starting opportunities. St. Louis police have confirmed Latimore’s account. During the practice, Clemmons kept reaching into a pocket of his sweatsuit while his back was turned to the coach. Shots were then fired, hitting Latimore in the leg, arm, back, and abdomen.
After the shooting, Clemmons reportedly said, “I told you I was going to pop your [expletive].” Latimore, a volunteer coach and defensive coordinator for the St. Louis BadBoyz, a city recreational league team consisting of 9- and 10-year-old players, coached alongside his cousin.
Clemmons turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday and has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Latimore, who played football at St. Louis’s Vashon High School, is currently recovering from the incident. His mother, SeMiko, stated that he is thankful to be alive and in good spirits.
The family is currently trying to raise money to cover Latimore’s medical bills.
