The mother of a teen girl has been charged with two misdemeanors after her daughter sucker-punched an opponent in the head during a youth basketball game in Orange County, California.
Latira Shonty Hunt, 44, was charged with misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and battery after she allegedly encouraged her daughter to assault the girl.
In a now-viral video, the two teens were seen stumbling into each other during the Nov. 7 game, while the mother yelled in the background “You better smack her for that.”
In the video, you can hear her encouraging the girl to hit the other player.
The girl’s father, Corey Benjamin (who was not at the game), a former NBA player has now apologized for his daughter’s behavior.
“This is not how I raised my daughter,” Benjamin told NBC Los Angeles. “To the young lady who was punched by my daughter during a youth basketball game, I sincerely apologize to you, and I am praying for your complete healing both physically and emotionally. To her family, I deeply apologize and regret that this happened to your daughter as she did not deserve this to happen to her. Finally, I apologize to all of those who have been impacted and hurt by the actions of my daughter as well as those of her mother. I am here for your family and wish only the best for you.”
“As a father, I’m shocked and disappointed at my daughter’s behavior as this is not a reflection of the values and standards that my family holds,” he added. “Nor does it exemplify the values, character, and spirit of sportsmanship that the game of basketball requires. My daughter made a mistake. One that she will need to make right. I am committed to getting my daughter any help she may need and support her in taking accountability for her conduct.”
The mother of the 15-year-old victim stated her daughter was disoriented after being hit due to a concussion, and she has filed a police report.
If Hunt is found guilty, she may spend a year in prison.
It is unconscionable that a parent would encourage her child to engage in violence during a sporting event,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement, “Youth sports are invaluable in teaching our children discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. But a win at all costs mentality that is completely devoid of fair play, respect, and civility is disgusting. We as parents have the fundamental responsibility to raise our children to be good human beings who treat others with kindness and humanity.”
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