Soccer Players Face Criminal Charges After On-Field Incidents

Violent altercations in Massachusetts high school and Texas college games lead to assault charges and investigations

Feb. 7, 2026 at 4:31am

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Recent weeks have seen a rise in on-field violence in soccer, with criminal charges filed against players in Massachusetts and Texas. In Worcester, two high school players are facing assault and battery charges after a violent incident during a game. In College Station, a South Carolina player filed a complaint against a Texas DPS trooper for allegedly shoving players. These incidents highlight growing concerns about player conduct and the responsibility of authorities to ensure safety on the field.

Why it matters

The escalation of on-field violence to legal repercussions raises questions about the appropriate balance between competitive fire and criminal behavior in sports. These cases underscore the need for governing bodies, schools, and law enforcement to take proactive measures to promote sportsmanship, address misconduct, and protect the safety of all participants.

The details

In Worcester, Massachusetts, two 18-year-old players from Worcester South High School and Doherty Memorial High School are facing assault and battery charges following a violent incident during a high school soccer game on September 16, 2024. The incident involved a South High player allegedly kicking a Doherty player multiple times while he was on the ground. The game was abruptly ended, with Doherty leading on the scoreboard. In College Station, Texas, a South Carolina Gamecocks player, Oscar Adaway III, filed a criminal complaint on December 12, 2025 against a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper. The incident occurred after a touchdown catch by South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor, when the trooper allegedly elbowed the players and told them to "Get out of here!"

  • On September 16, 2024, the violent incident occurred during a high school soccer game in Worcester, Massachusetts.
  • On November 15, 2025, the incident between the South Carolina players and the Texas DPS trooper took place at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
  • On December 12, 2025, Oscar Adaway III filed a criminal complaint against the Texas DPS trooper.
  • On February 7, 2026, the article was published.

The players

Worcester South High School

A high school in Worcester, Massachusetts involved in the violent incident during a soccer game.

Doherty Memorial High School

A high school in Worcester, Massachusetts involved in the violent incident during a soccer game.

Oscar Adaway III

A running back for the South Carolina Gamecocks who filed a criminal complaint against a Texas DPS trooper.

Nyck Harbor

A wide receiver for the South Carolina Gamecocks who was involved in the incident with the Texas DPS trooper.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The law enforcement agency that employed the trooper involved in the incident with the South Carolina players.

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What they’re saying

“Get out of here!”

— Texas DPS Trooper

What’s next

The Brazos County Attorney's office is currently considering whether to move forward with assault charges against the Texas DPS trooper. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also conducting a further investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the growing problem of on-field aggression in sports and the need for governing bodies, schools, and law enforcement to take stronger measures to promote sportsmanship, address misconduct, and ensure the safety of all participants. The potential for legal consequences may serve as a deterrent, but more proactive efforts are required to maintain the integrity of sports.