Football 297Lb Boy barred from Playing Peewee Football for being too big - Page 3

Deberg_1990 · 08-17-2012, 12:46 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireSto...tball-17023137

A suburban Dallas boy has been barred from playing peewee football because the league says he is just too big at nearly 300 pounds.

Mesquite Pee Wee Football Association President Ronnie Henderson said the rules are clear and 12-year-old Elijah Earnheart is not eligible. The 6-foot-1-inch boy exceeds the 135-pound limit for seventh-graders, and he got the bad news last Sunday when the league held its official weigh-in.

Henderson said he asked Elijah whether he was in sixth or seventh grade, then told him "no need going" any further.

Cindy Earnheart, the boy's mother, said she was incensed and Elijah was humiliated.

"They would not even let him weigh in on the scales like every single boy out there," she said. "He might be the size of a grown man but he's 12 years old and he has feelings, too."

Elijah, who describes himself as a "gentle giant" and dreams of someday playing pro football, said the turn of events was unfair.

"I'm not sad, I'm mad that I don't get to play," Elijah said. "I've been practicing for three weeks."

Henderson said three other boys were turned away that day because of safety concerns for other players.

AP Photo/LM OteroTwelve-year-old Elijah Earnheart, left, looks... View Full Size AP Photo/LM OteroTwelve-year-old Elijah Earnheart, left, looks on as his mom Cindy Earnheart takes a phone call from his football coach outside his home in Mesquite, Texas, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012.
"We've got little boys that play against him that are 85, 95 and 100 pounds," Henderson said. "We have to look out for all the kids, not just him."

Cindy Earnheart said her son was feeling self-conscious about his size until he discovered peewee football. His barber happened to coach a team, the Mesquite Vikings, and suggested the boy join. Coach Marc Wright said a passage in the rulebook seemed to indicate that youths who weigh more than 135 pounds could play, but only on the offensive or defensive line.

At his physical last month, Elijah's doctor said he weighed 297 pounds and stood 6-feet-1½ inches tall. His mother said they special-ordered his helmet, shoulder pads, pants and jersey because of his size, which she said is hereditary in her family.

Elijah took the practice field, looming over boys more than half his size, and was thrilled..

When he's playing football Elijah said, "I feel energetic. I feel happy."

He practiced with the Vikings for three weeks and even took part in a scrimmage. Then came the weigh-in.

Henderson said the exception in the rulebook was meant for sixth-graders who can weigh as much as 160 pounds. He suggested Elijah play for his middle school team, but the boy doesn't have much football experience and was hoping to feel his way in peewee first.

Cindy Earnheart said barring her son was discrimination.

"No one is telling boys who are too thin or too small that they can't play football," she said. "Why tell my kid he's too big?

She added: "Isn't bigger better in football? Football is a contact sport. If you don't want your son tackled, get him off the field."

Braincase · 08-17-2012, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Plow

God they start tackle early nowadays.

We started in 2nd grade, and one of players started in 1st.

Braincase · 08-17-2012, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Yeah, I doubt it.

Far be it from me to doubt your ability against an 11 year old.

Simplicity · 08-17-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braincase

Far be it from me to doubt your ability against an 11 year old.

I'm 15. 130 lb QB/CB. Have your 11 yr old kids travel up to Manly, IA.

Braincase · 08-17-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

I'm 15. 130 lb QB/CB. Have your 11 yr old kids travel up to Manly, IA.

LOL.

Now I know.

My 11 year old is 144 lbs. C/DT. I'll wait for you to catch him. You're smaller than 6 of the boys on my team, and you don't think one of 'em could knock you over with you holding a tackling dummy? Son, you need to get back on the bench.

mcaj22 · 08-17-2012, 01:27 PM

Simplicity is 100 percent right

having played football myself. I can remember it being impossible at 10, 11, 12 years old to move any kid that was a big body. It wasn't until high school that you were actually able to see fundamentals mixed in with emotion and testosterone that a 150 lb kid can level a 280 lb dude.

Part of it makes me think that kids this small arent even passed puberty yet. The hormonal and testosterone drive isnt there to be able to even budge a kid that is 297 lbs.

No matter how raw this kid is, he is still a big body. It's no different than recruiting the 6'5 12 year old to play basketball in middle school and the only thing he knows is how to play the trumpet. You stick him in the middle and he still contests shots.

mr. tegu · 08-17-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braincase

My son is 6th grade, 5'4", 144 lbs., and has been playing tackle football since 2nd grade, and he would be too big for this program. Horsepucky.

No they said an exception exists for up to 160 lbs so yours could play. And I am sure if enough of a fit was thrown 170 lbs or so would be fine too.

This kid isn't just a tad over the weight limit. He is literally twice the size of most of the kids that would be playing. If they let this kid play and someone gets hurt because of his size, then the league and everyone that let it happen would be screwed big time.

Simplicity · 08-17-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

Simplicity is 100 percent right

having played football myself. I can remember it being impossible at 10, 11, 12 years old to move any kid that was a big body. It wasn't until high school that you were actually able to see fundamentals mixed in with emotion and testosterone that a 150 lb kid can level a 280 lb dude.

Part of it makes me think that kids this small arent even passed puberty yet. The hormonal and testosterone drive isnt there to be able to even budge a kid that is 297 lbs.

No matter how raw this kid is, he is still a big body. It's no different than recruiting the 6'5 12 year old to play basketball in middle school and the only thing he knows is how to play the trumpet. You stick him in the middle and he still contests shots.

There you go Braincase, SYOD. and btw your 144 lb 11yr old ain't shit.

**Rain Man** · 08-17-2012, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

I'm 15. 130 lb QB/CB. Have your 11 yr old kids travel up to Manly, IA.

As an aside, Manly is a great name for a town.

Simplicity · 08-17-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

As an aside, Manly is a great name for a town.

It is.

Braincase · 08-17-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

There you go Braincase, SYOD. and btw your 144 lb 11yr old ain't shit.

You crack me up. I'll just leave you alone now, or else you'll have to explain to your coach why you're crying.

Demonpenz · 08-17-2012, 01:36 PM

Hold my trophy while I kiss your girlfriend AND 1

Simplicity · 08-17-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braincase

You crack me up. I'll just leave you alone now, or else you'll have to explain to your coach why you're crying.

I'm gonna have to say... That was probably the gheyest post I've seen all day. and I read a bunch of Clay's post today.

**Rain Man** · 08-17-2012, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

It is.

Please tell me that your football team's name is the Men.

Simplicity · 08-17-2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Please tell me that your football team's name is the Men.

Central Springs Panthers

We are combined with a couple towns so unfortunetely no. Although that would be pretty sweet.

Fish · 08-17-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

I'm 15. 130 lb QB/CB. Have your 11 yr old kids travel up to Manly, IA.

Whooa. Whooa... Wait.... 15? As in age, not IQ?

08-17-2012, 12:46 PM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3634454	297Lb Boy barred from Playing Peewee Football for being too big http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireSto...tball-17023137 A suburban Dallas boy has been barred from playing peewee football because the league says he is just too big at nearly 300 pounds. Mesquite Pee Wee Football Association President Ronnie Henderson said the rules are clear and 12-year-old Elijah Earnheart is not eligible. The 6-foot-1-inch boy exceeds the 135-pound limit for seventh-graders, and he got the bad news last Sunday when the league held its official weigh-in. Henderson said he asked Elijah whether he was in sixth or seventh grade, then told him "no need going" any further. Cindy Earnheart, the boy's mother, said she was incensed and Elijah was humiliated. "They would not even let him weigh in on the scales like every single boy out there," she said. "He might be the size of a grown man but he's 12 years old and he has feelings, too." Elijah, who describes himself as a "gentle giant" and dreams of someday playing pro football, said the turn of events was unfair. "I'm not sad, I'm mad that I don't get to play," Elijah said. "I've been practicing for three weeks." Henderson said three other boys were turned away that day because of safety concerns for other players. AP Photo/LM OteroTwelve-year-old Elijah Earnheart, left, looks... View Full Size AP Photo/LM OteroTwelve-year-old Elijah Earnheart, left, looks on as his mom Cindy Earnheart takes a phone call from his football coach outside his home in Mesquite, Texas, Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012. "We've got little boys that play against him that are 85, 95 and 100 pounds," Henderson said. "We have to look out for all the kids, not just him." Cindy Earnheart said her son was feeling self-conscious about his size until he discovered peewee football. His barber happened to coach a team, the Mesquite Vikings, and suggested the boy join. Coach Marc Wright said a passage in the rulebook seemed to indicate that youths who weigh more than 135 pounds could play, but only on the offensive or defensive line. At his physical last month, Elijah's doctor said he weighed 297 pounds and stood 6-feet-1½ inches tall. His mother said they special-ordered his helmet, shoulder pads, pants and jersey because of his size, which she said is hereditary in her family. Elijah took the practice field, looming over boys more than half his size, and was thrilled.. When he's playing football Elijah said, "I feel energetic. I feel happy." He practiced with the Vikings for three weeks and even took part in a scrimmage. Then came the weigh-in. Henderson said the exception in the rulebook was meant for sixth-graders who can weigh as much as 160 pounds. He suggested Elijah play for his middle school team, but the boy doesn't have much football experience and was hoping to feel his way in peewee first. Cindy Earnheart said barring her son was discrimination. "No one is telling boys who are too thin or too small that they can't play football," she said. "Why tell my kid he's too big? She added: "Isn't bigger better in football? Football is a contact sport. If you don't want your son tackled, get him off the field."
Posts: 66,914

08-17-2012, 01:27 PM	#35
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	Simplicity is 100 percent right having played football myself. I can remember it being impossible at 10, 11, 12 years old to move any kid that was a big body. It wasn't until high school that you were actually able to see fundamentals mixed in with emotion and testosterone that a 150 lb kid can level a 280 lb dude. Part of it makes me think that kids this small arent even passed puberty yet. The hormonal and testosterone drive isnt there to be able to even budge a kid that is 297 lbs. No matter how raw this kid is, he is still a big body. It's no different than recruiting the 6'5 12 year old to play basketball in middle school and the only thing he knows is how to play the trumpet. You stick him in the middle and he still contests shots.
Posts: 11,886

08-17-2012, 01:36 PM	#41
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $2852136	Hold my trophy while I kiss your girlfriend AND 1 __________________
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