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Father Says He Never Tried To Attack Coach
Posted By Anwar S. Richardson at Feb 16, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Updated Feb 16, 2007 at 06:05 PM

TAMPA - Sickles softball parent Steve Nesfield disputes an allegation by coach Angela Irwin that he tried to attack her on Thursday night after the Gryphons’ 5-4 home loss against Countryside.

Last night, Irwin said she pulled Nesfield’s daughter, Nadirah, in the fifth inning as Sickles trailed 5-3 because the player had an “attitude problem.” As the team was running traditional softball wind sprints after the game, the father walked onto the field and confronted Irwin about her decision.

Nesfield admits he cursed at Irwin and was escorted off the field by sheriff’s deputy, but said the coach’s allegation that he chased her around with intentions of causing her harm are false.

Nesfield said two things contributed to last night’s outburst, which he regrets. He said an assistant coach grabbed his daughter after the game and blamed her for the team’s loss, plus Irwin has lacked “competence” throughout her three-year coaching tenure.

Numerous Sickles parents have called and e-mailed to say Irwin is no longer with the team and assistant coach Dennis Reddick has taken over the team, while Tammy Overcash, the former head coach, will be his assistant. None of Sickles’ administrators have been available to confirm Irwin’s status.

Last night, Irwin said she intended to file a restraining order against Nesfield, but it is currently unclear if she has followed through with her promise.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by Shannon Federico, FSU on 02/18 at 11:49 PM

I was on the Sickles softball team last year and Mr. Nesfield is the nicest man ever and would never try to hurt anyone. Coaches aren’t always right. Maybe people should stop being so closeminded. And people think of Nadirah just fine. She’s an amazing player. All of her teammates stand beside her. I had been on the team since my freshman year and ended up having to quit at the beginning of my senior year even though I loved the game. reason… Angela Irwin.

Posted by Susan Vaughan, Tampa on 02/18 at 10:38 AM

I agree that parents should not interfere unless there is a problem of abuse. That being said, I would like to suggest that SOMETIMES a young coach uses his or her power to abuse these players—who are still children—and parents have no power or formal process to intervene. Parents are prohibted from attending practice and complaints are ignored. Then this happens. Absolutely a child can quit the sport they love, or they can pack up after 3 1/2 years and move to another school. Is that a good solution? Perhaps this coach quit because of ongoing problems and complaints and not this particular incident. Don’t assume you know everything from this story.

Posted by olaf berserker, on 02/18 at 12:44 AM

Here , here Jeff. You are absolutely correct. Just be parents!!!!

Posted by Jeff Johnson, Tampa on 02/17 at 12:16 AM

I am a high school softball umpire. Parent are out of control!!!!!!

Constantly yelling at the officials for the closest of calls that do not go their way.

Tom, as for you and saying that you would have done what that father did, hope you enjoy jail. Let the coaches coach, and the players play and you and your opinions stay off OUR field.
If you have a problem with the coach take it up with the administration, not by physical intimidation of the coach, forcing her to quit her job.

Great lessons we are teaching here!!!!

Posted by Rya Smith, Tampa on 02/16 at 06:55 PM

Tom,
As an educator in Hills Cty. You are wrong. This is the problem with todays youth is that if a teacher reprimands a student the parents see it as the teachers fault and not the students. If this young lady was not performing properly or not doing what she was supposed to she be brought out of the game and the parent should support the teacher/coach. Softball is just another example of a life skill. The parents need to sit back and let the instructors/coaches do their jobs. Thats why we are paid. Teachers do not just hold grudges, something brought this on and I can guarantee you it was the teenage child. She needs to be paddled taught a lesson and next time she would better understand. This is what growing up is all about.

Posted by Greg Suazo, Tampa on 02/16 at 06:12 PM

If you dont like your son or daughter to participate in a high school sport then keep them home. Coaches have a tough enough job spending countless hours trying to teach these kids about life. What lesson did this father teach that if you dont like something then just moan and complain your way. What do you think her teamates think of her now? Play hard or seriously go home.

Posted by dan taylor, hillsborough county on 02/16 at 05:59 PM

parents are ruining it for high school athletics.
perhaps, and this may not be too long from now, when there is no longer a venue for high school athletics, and parents have to rely solely on the “private club(s)” for the athletic participation of their son/daughter,they will stop living vicariously through the eyes of the child.

Posted by Captain Zutell, Tampa on 02/16 at 05:06 PM

From my understanding, last year a father lost his temper and punched the Alonzo softball coach…..any idea who that man was Tom?

( Now I see why you said you would have acted the same way as the guy last night )

Posted by Tom Grove, on 02/16 at 03:27 PM

In my opinion, any parent has the right
to protect their children from physical
abuse, verbal abuse or worse, regardless
of whether it occurs on the streets or on a softball field. If I would of been in Mr. Nesfield’s shoes I would taken similar action to protect my child. To
those that feel that is a crime so be it!