A shocking brawl broke out during a youth basketball game in Staten Island, exposing how adult misconduct can derail faith-based sports meant to serve children. The fight occurred during a sixth-grade boys game and has prompted Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) leaders and local officials to impose stricter rules on spectator behavior.
The violent incident unfolded on Dec. 20 at St. Teresa in Castleton Corners during a game between St. Teresa and Saint Clare. Video footage shows two mothers engaged in a heated verbal exchange that quickly turned physical. One shoved the other, triggering punches, hair pulling, and a wider melee as family members and other spectators rushed in.
Despite efforts by school staff and bystanders to intervene, the chaos escalated. The video shows the women being separated, only for another fight to break out moments later as tensions flared again. According to CYO County Director Michael Neely, those involved included parents and their relatives.
“Two families got involved and, in the end, their families have been banned from CYO indefinitely,” Neely said. He confirmed that the individuals involved have been suspended from attending CYO games.
The brawl has triggered policy changes within the organization. Officials announced that spectators ejected for disruptive behavior will now face a one-year ban from CYO basketball games.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella addressed the incident at a press conference, stressing the original purpose of youth sports. “The mission was about the kids,” Fossella said. “The mission was about teaching them responsibility. The mission was about them having a good time: the kids.”
CYO leaders stated that while past incidents were handled individually, the severity of this altercation demanded stronger action to protect children and restore order at parish-based events.
