A man from Missouri has been found guilty of shooting a youth football coach following an argument over his son’s playing time. Daryl B. Clemmons, 45, was convicted of assault and armed criminal action after a shooting incident that occurred on February 28, 2023, according to a statement from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.
The incident took place during a practice game on October 10, 2023, when Clemmons had a heated discussion with 34-year-old Shaquille Latimore, a volunteer coach for the City Rec Legends Football League, concerning the playing time of Clemmons’s son.
Prosecutors revealed that both men were armed during the argument, but Latimore decided to hand over his gun to a friend, stating that they should resolve their dispute through a fistfight. It was at this moment that Clemmons shot Latimore five times before leaving the scene. Clemmons later surrendered to police that same day.
At the time of the shooting, a group of children was playing nearby. During the trial, it was noted that Latimore, who survived the shooting, recounted how Clemmons continued to shoot even after he had fallen to the ground. Clemmons claimed in court that he acted in self-defense after Latimore challenged him to fight.
Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating that violence in youth sports is unacceptable and goes against the ideals of teamwork and respect that these programs aim to teach. Gore also remarked on the potential danger of the situation, highlighting that the coach and the children present could have been severely harmed.
Clemmons is expected to be sentenced on March 13.
