DORI MONSON

Youth football league hopes to move on from parent brawl

Oct 22, 2014, 5:28 PM | Updated: 5:44 pm

The head of Bothell’s youth football association says he hopes the controversy over a brawl between parents from two leagues will soon subside, for the sake of the kids.

“The parents made some really bad choices that day and I feel really horrible about it,” Greg Fisherkeller, President of the Bothell Cougar Jr. Football Association, told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson. “It’s just a bad situation when you’re talking about kids playing a football game.”

The 9 and 10 year old kids had nothing to do with the recent melee between some parents from Bothell and the Renton Five Stars during a game at Bothell’s Pop Keeney Field Oct. 4.

The fight prompted the Greater Eastside Junior Football Association to ban both teams from the upcoming playoffs. It’s a decision that’s drawn widespread criticism, since the kids are being punished for something they had nothing to do with.

Fisherkeller didn’t speak specifically about the brawl or the fact that his team wouldn’t have qualified for the playoffs while Renton would have. While he says he disagrees with the punishment for both teams, his big motivation is moving on as quickly as possible.

“We still have a lot of little kids that are playing a lot of football and worked really hard to get where they’re at. We have a lot of great coaches, we have almost 99.9 percent of our families, are fantastic on both sides,” he says.

Fisherkeller says he has had a number of discussions with representatives of the Renton league and he is hoping to continue building bridges with all of the clubs in the league, parents and the community.

“This has been a big deal and we’re really looking forward to moving forward and being positive about the rest of the season, that’s for sure,” he says.

Dori, a long time high school and youth basketball coach, continues to argue while the parents should be banned from attending games, the kids should not be punished. And he worries all of the negative publicity will tarnish the reputation of the vast majority of parents who give tirelessly to youth sports.

“That’s one of my other frustrations with this story is it allows all these other morons in the media to say ‘yeah these adults, they’re just in it for themselves and they are living vicariously.’ No they’re not. Most adults who are involved in stuff like this are involved because they love building a community of kids and families,” he says.

Bothell police have cited two parents of a Bothell player for assault, KOMO TV first reported. Charges are expected.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Youth football league hopes to move on from parent brawl