They Were Playing Football, a Kid Fell, Another Attacked My Son, and Now My Kid’s in Trouble for Defending Himself?- South Dakota Parents
Football is a puzzle where every piece is essential.
September 16, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 16, 2026
Joey Craft alleges that his son, Theo, received three hours of detention for defending himself, whereas other kids only got a stern talking to.
Theo was playing football at recess, and the kid running next to him accidentally fell, tripping over his own feet. However, others thought it was Theo who made the other kid fall.
High school football is a cornerstone of many communities.
However, a simple accident can lead to an unfair blame game. It’s a story that happens more often than anyone can think.
The cheering crowd and team spirit create an electric atmosphere, but sometimes this experience is misunderstood.
In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to point a finger, and this culture of blame is one of the biggest misunderstandings in high school football.
Football is the ultimate team sport, and every single play requires all eleven players on the field to do their job perfectly.
Blaming others is a shortcut that prevents us from examining the fundamental issues of working and supporting one another. The teams that truly succeed are the ones that understand they win as a team, and they lose as a team.
South Dakota Parents Fume After Son Punished for Self-Defense at School
A South Dakota father is speaking out after school administrators unfairly punished his son for defending himself against an attacker during a recess football game.
The incident began when Joey Craft’s son, Theo, was playing football.
According to a Craft’s Facebook post, a child running near Theo accidentally fell by tripping over his own feet, a fact allegedly admitted by the boy who fell.
The situation escalated when another student, who was not involved in the initial play, approached Theo.
Craft states this child pushed his son with malicious intent under the mistaken belief that Theo had caused the fall on purpose.
He has taught his children to defend themselves continually, and Theo did the same, fighting back against the aggressor.
However, Craft alleges that while the child who initiated the push only received a stern talking to, his son was given three hours of detention for his role in the altercation.
I think I will be going down to the school in the morning to have a little chat about this. Since when did defending yourself become a crime? This is what’s wrong with many people these days. Raising a bunch of fucking snowflakes. Well, thats just not me. My kids will always be able and encouraged to defend themselves from any bullying or harmful situations.
The specific school district involved has not been publicly identified, and officials have not yet commented on the particular allegations.
Furthermore, Craft’s Facebook post attracted a significant online reaction, with the vast majority of commenters criticizing the school’s decision.
They shared similar stories and expressed frustration with what they see as zero-tolerance policies that often punish the victim alongside the bully.
Always taught never start something but always finish it. Grandma taught me never run from a fight. Locked out of the house because she seen me running from a neighborhood bully. Mind you, the kids dad was a cop but he never bothered me after our little discussion. Good job, Theo.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Joey Craft is originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and lives in Parker, South Dakota.
- He studied welding at Southeast Technical College and owns WrapAbility.
- He married , and they have three children.
- Check other Articles on
Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
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