WHAT A TERRIBLE NEWS Northeast MS Fastpitch travel Softball Two players has been arrested after questioning their head coach seriously for the emergency dismiss of other star players.

WHAT A TERRIBLE NEWS Northeast MS Fastpitch travel Softball Two players has been arrested after questioning their head coach seriously for the emergency dismiss of other star players.

April 23, 2025 – Tupelo, Mississippi

A shocking controversy is unfolding in the world of youth sports in Northeast Mississippi after two high school players from a competitive fastpitch travel softball team were arrested following an intense confrontation with their head coach. The incident, which took place over the weekend, has sparked widespread outrage among parents, players, and community members, raising serious concerns about leadership, transparency, and discipline within the program.

According to initial reports from the Tupelo Police Department, the two female athletes — both minors whose names are being withheld due to their age — were taken into custody after a heated exchange with Northeast MS Fastpitch travel team head coach, Travis Coleman. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from the abrupt dismissal of three star players just days before a regional showcase tournament in Memphis.

TENSIONS BOIL OVER

Sources close to the team say the dismissed players — who had been consistent starters and key contributors — were removed from the roster without warning, explanation, or official notice to their families. The sudden decision left teammates confused and upset, particularly as the tournament was considered a vital opportunity for college recruitment.

The two arrested players allegedly demanded answers during a team meeting, where emotions flared. Witnesses claim the discussion escalated after Coach Coleman refused to provide details, citing “disciplinary issues” and “internal matters.” Police were called when the argument became physical, according to reports, though no injuries were reported.

Both players were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and disrupting a public gathering. They were later released into parental custody. Their families, however, are now pursuing legal action, claiming their daughters were unfairly treated and that the coach abused his authority.

COACH UNDER FIRE

Coach Travis Coleman, a former college softball assistant coach, took over the Northeast MS Fastpitch travel program two seasons ago and had reportedly implemented a “strict code of conduct” policy. However, multiple sources — including former players — have described Coleman’s leadership style as “controlling” and “abrasive.”

“I’ve seen kids cry during practices,” said one parent, speaking anonymously. “He’s not the kind of coach who listens. If you question him, you’re benched. Now, he’s cutting players without reason and having girls arrested for asking why. This has gone too far.”

While Coleman has not made an official statement, the team’s Facebook page posted a brief message Monday morning: “Northeast MS Fastpitch is handling an internal matter and remains committed to integrity and discipline. We are cooperating with authorities and appreciate community support during this time.”

The post has since garnered hundreds of comments, most of them critical, demanding the reinstatement of the dismissed players and the resignation of the head coach.

A BROKEN LOCKER ROOM

Parents, former players, and even rival coaches are now speaking out about a toxic environment that appears to have been brewing within the team long before this weekend’s events.

“I pulled my daughter from the team last fall,” said Danielle Greene, whose daughter played for Northeast MS Fastpitch for two years. “It was constant tension. You couldn’t talk to Coach Coleman without being accused of disrespect. It felt more like a military camp than a softball team.”

Some players who remained on the team until recently say they were afraid to speak up or support their teammates due to fear of being cut themselves.

“We just wanted to play ball,” said one player. “But it got to the point where we were walking on eggshells every day. You never knew who was going to be next.”

LEGAL AND ETHICAL QUESTIONS

Civil rights attorney Maurice Langston, who is representing the families of the arrested players, said their treatment was “a gross violation of their rights and a reflection of failed leadership.”

“These are teenage girls who asked a question — that’s not a crime,” Langston said during a press conference in front of the Lee County Courthouse. “To arrest them and parade them through the legal system like criminals is beyond outrageous. This is about ego, not justice.”

Langston also confirmed that the families of the three dismissed players are considering filing a class-action suit against the coach and the organization for emotional distress and damages related to college scouting losses.

“We’re talking about young athletes who had scholarship interest. Losing a spot in this showcase could impact their futures,” he added.

STATE AND REGIONAL RESPONSE

The Mississippi Amateur Softball Association (MASA) released a brief statement Tuesday morning indicating that it had opened an investigation into the team’s handling of recent events.

“We take all reports of misconduct seriously,” the MASA statement read. “We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the dismissals, the arrests, and the behavior of all adults involved.”

Additionally, a regional tournament organizer has confirmed that Northeast MS Fastpitch’s invitation to this weekend’s Memphis Showcase has been revoked pending the outcome of the investigation.

“This was supposed to be a celebration of youth talent,” said organizer Rebecca Sanchez. “We can’t condone a situation where players are being dismissed without transparency and where arrests are made for expressing concerns.”

COMMUNITY DIVIDED

The community response has been emotionally charged and divided. While many parents and softball fans are demanding accountability, a small but vocal group continues to defend Coach Coleman’s right to enforce discipline.

“Travel ball isn’t for the weak,” one commenter posted online. “Sometimes hard decisions have to be made to protect team chemistry.”

But for many others, the core issue isn’t about toughness — it’s about fairness.

“You can’t have trust on a team if people are punished for speaking up,” said Pastor Larry James, who leads a local youth mentoring group. “We’re supposed to be teaching leadership and character through sports — not fear and silence.”

WHERE THINGS STAND NOW

As the dust settles, the future of Northeast MS Fastpitch remains uncertain. The two arrested players are expected to appear in youth court later this week, though their legal team is pushing for all charges to be dropped. Meanwhile, several families have pulled their children from the team, and there are reports that other players are considering transferring to different programs.

Calls for the coach’s resignation have grown louder, with an online petition nearing 10,000 signatures. Local media outlets are tracking the story closely as the community waits for the next development in what has become one of the most explosive controversies in Mississippi youth sports in years.

As for the players at the center of it all, their focus is not only on clearing their names — but on ensuring that no other young athlete has to face the same kind of punishment for simply asking a question.

“We just want to play,” said one of the girls in a statement through her lawyer. “We want respect, not fear. And we want to be heard.”