Phoenix AZ: During the Phoenix City Junior Championships at Cave Creek Golf Club, a 12 year old golfer suffered from a physical assault from a fellow player. According to witnesses (playing partners), the 11 year old assailant ran to the tee box to hit her driver, and then grabbed a golf club by the head and swung the shaft into her fellow player's abdomen.
"Why did you do that?" asked one of the playing partners while shaking her head in disbelief. The assailant responded by laughing at the victim, and walked away as if nothing happened. The 12 year old victim described the painful sensation as incapacitating, and was literally stunned from the pain.
In the victim's written words for the investigation, she states that: "Walking down the fairway I did not talk to her (assailant), I was very upset with her and cannot believe what she did to me. I tried to keep my distance from her as she would chase me around the fairway laughing about hitting me. On the 16th green once I finished out my 10-footer for birdie, she (assailant) tried to come over to me and take another swipe but I stopped her putter so that she wouldn't hit me AGAIN."
She continues, "At the 17th and 18th hole, I was still in pain from the hit in my stomach, causing me to bogey the last 2 holes. I ended up losing to her (assailant) by 2 strokes and she took the championship home."
After the game, while waiting for the trophy presentation in the cafeteria, the victim was still in shock by the incident. "She (assailant) also NEVER sat down and ate lunch with our division after play. The table was full and nobody wanted to sit next to her after what she had done to me."
After the event, the victim's family reported the incident to the tournament director in charge. The victim wrote, "The tournament director was the one who we told after the Phoenix City Junior Championships and she believed our side of the story (on what happened on the 16th teebox)."
Before leaving the tournament site, the victim's concerned father spoke to the playing partners who were on the 16th tee box. All of them confirmed that the assailant indeed swung her golf club into the victim's abdomen, and witnessed her doubled up in pain while the assailant was merely laughing about her deliberate assault to a fellow player.
According to the USGA rules committee member, "Purposely striking another player with a club, either by throwing the club or swinging the club is a serious breach of the Rules of Etiquette - see Decision 33-7/8.....if the player committed the serious breach of Etiquette you describe, the player should be disqualified - see Rule 33-7."
This was a serious incident and the victim's father wasted no time in letting the proper authorities know about it. On that same day, he wrote an email to the tournament director describing details of the incident. The victim's close friends, as avid supporters of the child's golf games, also heard about the incident. Concerned about her welfare, they advised to file a formal criminal complaint to the local police.
On June 21st, at Pinnacle Peak Country Club, the victim along with her family were having a practice round for the sectional tournament of the USGA Junior Girl's Championships. After the practice round, the father of the assailant approached them and talked to the victim's father in a very threatening manner, clearly displaying that he will resort to physical violence in his belief that his daughter was innocent about the attack.
THE COVER-UP BEGINS
When news of the incident reached Sean Ferris of the JGAA (Junior Golf Association of Arizona), he refused to immediately address the issue. He indicated that "there are other priorities over this assault complaint at this time and (we) will deal with the situation when we have the time."
On June 27th, the victim's father received a phone call from Sean Ferris, assistant executive director of JGAA. Mr Ferris informed him that the JGAA found no evidence of foul play. Sean Ferris also spoke to the victim and then accused her of lying about the assault incident, and caused the defenseless 12 year old to burst into tears.
In her words, "My dad wanted me to talk to Sean Ferris about the incident, so I did. I told him everything but he accused me that I was lying. He told me the incident wasn't severe and that he couldn't find witnesses to tell him anything."
Sean Ferris decided to conclude his investigation by raising his voice "YOU ARE LYING!" to an already crying 12 year old girl and hanged up. As a young golfer who values integrity in the game of golf, the victim wanted nothing more but a fair and unbiased investigation of the incident, and was upset why tournament officials were not providing her that.
Sean Ferris' words were demeaning and repulsive towards an innocent 12 year old girl. His conclusions were biased because he sided with the assailant's fabricated statements, without even interviewing the other players who were actual witnesses of the assault at the 16th tee box.
Prior to concluding his investigation, Sean Ferris neither spoke to nor interviewed the other playing partners or the victim on the 16th tee box. He did however, speak to and even met up with the assailant and her affluent jerk father. The Phoenix Police detective interviewed each of the playing partners and confirmed the assault with the golf club. The parents of the playing partners also confirmed that their children got phone interviews with the police detective, but not Sean Ferris.
As Mr. Ferris jests to the victim's father on June 27th, "I'm not a real investigator, but a tournament organizer."
This statement showed that Mr. Ferris never had any intentions to thoroughly investigate the incident by obstructing justice in his own investigation.
A MOCKERY OF JUSTICE
Without confirming with other witnesses about the assailant's statements, Mr. Ferris made a complete mockery of his own investigation and turned it into a cover-up for the assailant's family and downplayed the incident in order to protect JGAA's public relations.
In this regard, it could also be said that both the assailant's family and the JGAA officials are contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Furthermore, JGAA's Sean Ferris and Tom Cunningham will not admit to their botch investigation, and never expressed apologies or sympathies to the victim and her family after the incident. The assailant continued to play golf after that tournament and did not receive any type of sanction from JGAA.
The victim's family took matters in their own hands from the beginning of the case and filed charges all the way to the juvenile prosecutor's office, in order to send a strong message to JGAA and the assailant's family that a cover-up of this kind will not be tolerated.
In the words of the victim's father: "Sticking to the golf tenets of honesty and integrity should also rule their investigation. We did not want the Phoenix Police to be involved, but we had to take matters into our own hands because we felt JGAA will not do a proper investigation and just belittle our complaint."
STRONG MESSAGE OF DISHONESTY
What kind of message is JGAA sending to the rest of the junior golf community who all know about this infamous incident? Both players and their parents are outraged that the spoiled brat assailant got away scot-free with just merely a pass "off the hook", and "a slap on the wrist" by the JGAA officials. These officials were supposed to represent a game that stands for 100% honesty and complete integrity.
This incident is an atrocity to the game of golf, much more to junior golfers who are being molded to carry on the values and ethics that they learn on the golf course as virtues to be applied in the game of life.
The victim and her family are completely dismayed by JGAA's lack of action and credibility to take 'moral responsibility' as golf officials. This is an incident worth exposing so that other dedicated young golfers will be spared from unfortunate episodes such as this.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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this is very sad and disturbing. not shocking but appalling on the part of ferris. his lack of completely investigating into the matter shows his priorities lie elsewhere. which is ironic...shouldn't he be concerned about the whole success of the tournaments he organizes? the tournaments have rules and guidelines, correct? for a tournament to be successful, you are overseeing all the administrative, technical, operative parts but you're also dealing with the players...the kids! Without the kids, there wouldn't be a competition. he should be very concerned that something like this happened and he should be making sure that it doesn't happen again! if this little attacker can get away with it, she probably thinks she can do it again. enforce some rules, ferris...keep it respectable, keep it honest! this is part of your responsibility. let's also keep in mind that what comes around goes around. good luck to the victim and family. ~ ap
ReplyDeleteThis is unbelievable! It looks like golf elitism still exists in 2010. I thought golf is fair for everyone who lives by the same rules. I guess, there are separate justice for different levels of social-economic status. Keep fighting for the victim. Mr. Ferris showed how unprofessional he is for yelling at a 12 yr old girl and accusing her of untruthfulness. He is the one who truly lacks integrity!
ReplyDeleteShe laughed after hitting her? Sounds like a psychopath.
ReplyDeleteGo get those bastards. This expose is just great. Got to let them know that at some point, people will do stand up and not tolerate that kind of biased crap
A sad day for all of us Golf lovers worldwide when this sort of event happens anywhere let alone at a junior tournament.
ReplyDeleteNot withstanding the role (or non-role in this instance) played by tournament and association officials who is really to blame here? Why of course its the budding sociopaths father who is really to blame. we all protect our kids by decorum and family value states that if our children do wrong we accept responsibility for both their actions and for putting them "straight" . At the very least the assailant in question should have been banned or suspended from junior tournaments for a time defined by the governing body. I feel very sad for the victim and hope she goes on to let her clubs do the talking (in a good way). Regards
to all.
I'm not surprised about Sean Ferris' reaction and lack of professionalism. I have dealt with him in the past and he purposely lies to better himself.
ReplyDeleteJGAA has sent out a letter saying they interviewed all the girls in the group and found all of them were engaging in horseplay, poking each other with clubs. The letter also states that no one from the JGAA staff was contacted about this. I'm sure that's another one of Sean Ferris' lies.
There are plenty of other golf tours to join other than the JGAA. U.S. Kids Golf and Desert Junior Golf are pretty good. Hopefully this doesn't affect the girls enjoyment of the game. Remember, it's all about the kids.
JGAA, from Sean Ferris to its officials have conspired to downplay the incident because it is such an embarrassment to them. Vehemently denying that the incident never took place just shows what kind of scruples these people have. Why would a 12 year old honor student / junior golfer lie about it? What good will that do to her and her family? Think about it. Where there is smoke, there is bound to be fire.
ReplyDelete"When law and morality contradict each other, the citizen has the cruel alternative of either losing his moral sense or losing his respect for the law," Frederic Bastiat.
ReplyDeleteJGAA has completely lost its moral authority in the golfing AZ community. By excluding witness visual statements and yelling at 12 yr old girl, the cover-up is certainly valid and true for all to see.
From: texasgolfer 2/26/2010 6:36:06 AM
ReplyDeletekeep us posted very interesting, how ever throwing club is ok on the pga tour so i guess the jrs can do it to
From: stevlvtoply 2/26/2010 7:00:22 AM
ReplyDeleteWow, hard to believe. Let us know what happens.
From: Naughteous Maximus Jr. 2/26/2010 7:55:04 AM
ReplyDeleteThug Girl needs to be banned for life.
From: bobtwobob 2/26/2010 6:29:19 PM
ReplyDeleteI believe the victim based on the witnesses accounts, however....she birdied 16 after getting hit, then said the pain caused the bogies on 17 and 18. Thought that was a little odd.
From: dafyddbach 2/26/2010 6:46:59 PM
ReplyDeleteAre you impartial observers in this matter?
From: f0rtw0rth_kp 2/26/2010 6:48:28 PM
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/y9v9qt4
The original of this story was removed from Golfweek. This link is a cached version.
It appears to be a reader's blog. Who knows what the truth is. If the story is true, the parents should file a formal complaint and submit the story with statements from each of the girls in the group.
From: azgolfnuts to: dafyddbach 2/26/2010 9:07:33 PM
ReplyDeletewe know the victim...this is her perspective on the matter. she doesn't mine getting beat but not by a golf club.
From: azgolfnuts to: Naughteous Maximus Jr. 2/26/2010 9:09:11 PM
ReplyDeletethis reminds me of the tanya harding drama, isn't it?
From: azgolfnuts to: f0rtw0rth_kp 2/27/2010 6:27:00 AM
ReplyDeleteother players told the police detective but officials still refused to acknowledge by withholding of evidence
From: azgolfnuts to: f0rtw0rth_kp 2/27/2010 10:58:22 AM
ReplyDelete"withholding of evidence"
What does that mean? If the girls who were there made a statement to the police, I don't see how that can be suppressed. If the junior golf association is ignoring that a competitor whacked her fellow competitor with a golf club, something is very wrong.
From: azgolfnuts to: f0rtw0rth_kp 2/27/2010 12:52:24 PM
ReplyDeleteBy excluding information from actual witnesses & replacing it with fabricated statements from the assailant, it is obstruction of justice in the legal world. That's why the victim's perspective is out in the open because JGAA president advised the victim's family not to talk to media. They don't want this embarrassment to be revealed. It is truly a another version of Tanya vs. Nancy II. Golfing world needs to know it happened.
From: eskimo 2/19/2010 7:06am
ReplyDeleteWow, what the tournament director says, or does, will have no bearing on the police report, that is what will really count. I have seen mnay tournament directors over the years, most are honest hard working young people, at the state level you tend to find adults. On occasion I have seen tournament directors that were in over their head, If the police report finds that the kid saying she was assualted is telling the truth then the JGAA needs a serious evaluation of the people involved and their staff. Honestly in the many years of watching jr. golf this is the first time I have ever heard of such an incident, unfortunatly I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner.
posted by HogWild on Feb 18, 2010 at 09:40 AM
ReplyDeleteThanks for yanking the covers off of that slimeball Sean Ferris. Hope his lack of ethics gets fully exposed!
posted by animadvert4 on Feb 18, 2010 at 09:57 AM
ReplyDeleteSounds a wee bit like something like a re-enactment of the Tonya Harding vs. Nancy Kerrigan (ice skating) fiasco, which was "limited" by reason of the "sport" attached to it, but actually had little or nothing to do with the actual sport at all except for perhaps as to who "won", except as to outcome.
From what you state as evidence, my suspicion is that you are beating a bit of a dead horse. Not because the altercation wasn't "relevent" to the sport in terms of both the accoster and the victim, but precisely because it was and the "Organizers/Judges/Officials" don't wish to hone up to it because it would imply THEIR failure to police their own responsibilities under the "arrangement".
In the vast majority of "age group" competitive events, officials may have the final say, right or wrong, as to the rules of "etiquette" as you put it, but they are NOT allowed to simply walk away and say "there is no problem" whatsoever because the incident itself is simply not described by "the rules" as we see it. That is a "cop out". In either event, they MUST make a decision, or be held accountable for NOT having made one.
It is this reasoning that upholds the very concept of "contesting" or even of "playing/participating under protest' with respect to the rulings of officials which is also contained in the rulebooks that is supposed to keep THEM "honest" as well. That particular concept has been active in the Olympic games, all International Games, and any and all age group programs under the auspices of the former Amatuer Athletic
Union, the NCAA"S, and most professional sporting leagues since their inception.
The fact is that athletes in both age group competitive events all the way up through the NCAA's are often disqualified from their winnings and even prohibited from ever competing again based on such actions. Additionally, the Officials involved CAN and are brought up on charges by reason of their NOT enforcing rules including those with respect to extra-sport related matters,, but on the other hand NOT for having made simply a WRONG decision as opposed to none at all.
This will sound a bit strange, but perhaps you should take a clue from the virtual dismantling of the old Amatuer Athletic Union with respect to some sports, and simply walk away from your organizers (with as many like minded atletes and parents as you can find), form your own credentialing organization as to officials so that everyone involved is aware of their parts in the sum, and allow the present bunch who think otherwise to die of attrition along with those they think are 'winners" because they simply have no real interest in "the game" itself.
USSwimming comes to mind as one perfect example of the tactic, but there are others, and I am only familiar with that one having been a participant when the pre-emptive "changes" came about.
While any such "organizer" should be deemed as being in "control" of the event itself, it should'nt be assumed by the organizers that any playing field on which they organize is subject to only those rules they see fit to arbitrarily enforce. It has the effect of putting the sport itself in the back seat, while elevating the Officials to the drivers seat.
From: golfinfam 02/19/10 12:35pm
ReplyDeleteWow! Can not believe that something like that would happen and the organization shrugs it off! Good for you for bringing it to eveyone's attention so it will not happen to anyone else. When we send our juniors out on the course we think they are safe and in good hands....well this incident shows that it isn't always true. The JGAA maybe should consider allowing spectators, as this would have hindered any bad behaviour. This player should have been reprimanded and suspended from the JGAA.
From: plus2am 02/19/10 at 1:49pm
ReplyDeleteI couldn't help looking up who this kid is just in case. I have run into many parents that were how should I say a little strange, but I have never seen a child try to take out another one that was beating her. That is one for the books.
From: cg602 02/19/10 at 4:19pm
ReplyDelete33-7. Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion
A penalty of disqualification may in exceptional individual cases be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted.
Any penalty less than disqualification must not be waived or modified.
If a Committee considers that a player is guilty of a serious breach of etiquette, it may impose a penalty of disqualification under this Rule.
33-8. Local Rules
a. Policy
The Committee may establish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy set forth in Appendix I.
People do need to know that this event can happen & did happened. You can't hide this under the rug especially the way the official is still trying to hide it by yelling at crying a 12 yr old girl? after assault charge made it all the way to prosecutor's office. How unprofessional and the lack of integrity behind the scenes are now fully expose! Pls. re-read the original blog so you will understand.
From: f0rtw0rth_kp to: azgolfnuts 2/27/2010 1:36:22 PM
ReplyDeleteWho do these guys as the gof assn think they are?
The parents should file a formal complaint.
From: azgolfnuts to: f0rtw0rth_kp 2/27/2010 4:15:48 PM
ReplyDeleteWith thanks to honest witnesses and Phoenix Police report, the cover-up was completely unveiled proving Sean Ferris and Tom Cunningham of JGAA showed no courage or integrity to administer proper sanction as recommended by a USGA rules official. The power of affluence and influence denied proper justice for a 12 yr old honor student. It is up to the parents to continue to support but the victim's story needed exposure because the president of JGAA told the victim's family to avoid any media contact.
From: HOCKEY PLAYER 3/1/2010 1:46:55 PM
ReplyDeleteThis needs to be aired till resolved in the style of the true ways of golf rules, etc.
This assclown ferris thinks he's a big (ferris) wheel and needs to be brought down.
Actually, several of them need to be dragged down by the wallet.
From: Driver501Rev.2 3/1/2010 2:02:15 PM
ReplyDeleteAs an official on a Jr. Tour I have to ask the one question. Where in the heck were the parents and marshalls?????
Our oldest boys might go out without anyone following but 12 year old girls not a chance.
The victim should have reported the offense right when she got to the scoring table.
From: miatayBlog | Feb 28, 2010 10:53 PM
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear that winning is everything to some people and sad even more that such a young girl would do something like this and father acted like that.
From: azgolfnuts To: HOCKEY PLAYER 3/2/2010 6:20:42 AM
ReplyDeleteAmen, the victim's family is hoping the parents will rally behind this honor student who was clubbed by an 11 yr old girl whom the JGAA protected. Where is the moral responsibility when you need it?
From: azgolfnuts to: Driver501Rev.2 3/3/2010 10:30:53 AM
ReplyDeleteThe event was designated as non-spectator...an adult scorer wasn't around at the time of the incident according to victim and her playing partners. The victim was still shock and didn't know how to handle an unexpected assault after the round but the police did charge the assailant after interviewing the other players involved. It is an after thought but NCAA and IOC have taken games or medals away from athletes or teams post events. The precedents are there for all to follow if jr golf officials have courage, principle, leadership or even better a moral responsibility to govern.
From: cg602Blog to: miatayBlog | Mar 03, 2010 01:55 PM
ReplyDeleteFor some adults, they are truly living their pro sports fantasy glory thru their kids as evident in this case. Even worse, the parent has taught the assailant to lie to the police to escape a criminal assault charge. But the biggest disappointment lies to the JGAA for not having the courage to take moral responsibility after the police confirmed the assault on the 16th tee.
From: Driver501 To: azgolfnuts 3/3/2010 7:06:41 PM
ReplyDeleteSomebody better clue in whoever runs a event like that they might just be held libel for damages or even child endangerment. 12 is just a little young to be sending off without supervision.
From: wedger2 2/17/2010 6:59:59 AM
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you ask for Ferris's job with the proper people. The man sounds like an idiot.
I've read the article...i can only express my demise & frustration to the people responsible in taking care of the welfare of our children. As a fellow golfer & a father i understand her sentiments...the victim deserves justice....if she can't able to get it this time...i know in our Lord's time she'll definitely receive it!
ReplyDeleteisnt Ferris now gone....is this a result of this incident....more power to you all that guy just didn't seem to know what is going on out there
ReplyDeleteI know the father of the thug girl and not surprise to the behavior....he is probably the worst golf dad ever which probably caused her girl to behave in abnormal way. This is truly the saddest commentary of junior golf.
ReplyDeleteIts sad to hear that the parents or in this case father's involvement in all this. I would assume that this has been taking care of by now....is there any repercussions from this type of behavior? Has the JGAA done anything to prevent this from happening again? I live in AZ and have trouble supporting an agency that does not try to protect its players but rather according to the article above seems to be manipulated by the parents. Has there been any follow up to this? It seems that the comments show that the father of this bully is able to get away with this behavior with no consequences...its sad to see this in youth sports as I have seen in happen time and time again in all sports, parents that think they can throw there weight around to get their kids off with out any repercussions that their behavior causes. I bet this dad in question will be paying people off in some form or another for the rest of his life with a kid like this...
ReplyDeleteMr. Ferris surprisingly resigned early Spring. The father of assailant is not welcome at any JGAA events along with his daughter. It would be surprising if they ever play after this negligent activity putting JGAA & its players at risk. I'm sure JGAA will not let them play ever.
ReplyDeletewow what a story.......its scary what's outthere at least it looks like this was handled...but one never knows....
ReplyDeleteThe thug girl should follow this teenage boy's example from Wisconsin on what true integrity is all about.
ReplyDeletehttp://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-honestkidgolfer
what was the outcome....any follow up news...i saved this to look at and there hasnt been any more news
ReplyDeleteOr has this been disregarded?
A local law firm was involved and a thorough investigation took place - no wrong doing. Basically - golf dad against golf dad. Both girls went on to be buddies and now hang out and attend each others special parties: birthdays, graduation, etc... . Not surprising- girl accused dad currently has an Order of Protection in place against her dad.
DeleteI think Sean Ferris quietly took the fall when he resigned.
ReplyDeleteIt was a horrible decision for Sean Ferris to protect the infamous "thug" family. All he had to do was simply interview other players in the playing group. If the game is about integrity, many people failed in their responsibility including the assailant, her rich "thug" daddy, Sean Ferris and JGAA board president. This incident will forever scar jr. golf in AZ for the way trusted adults acted after the incident....so sad!
ReplyDeleteA thorough investigation took place with a law firm involved. All charges were dropped. Basically golf dad against golf dad. The two girls are now "buddies"! The so called "rich thug daddy" now has an Order of Protection in place - his innocent daughter is now protected from her father. Too bad the girls had to go through this...
DeleteThis the biggest joke I have ever seen. Let me remind you this is a BLOG. MADE UP SHIT POSTED BY MR REYES BECAUSE HE IS A FUCKING FREAK. Sean Ferris is a class act. I know first hand that this information is a bunch of crap. When people loose just loose with some class.
ReplyDeleteA key left out in the story is they left. Had a flitting at Ping for 3 hours. Then came back. Doesn't sound like anyone was to seriously hurt. Somebody should ban this family (THE REYES FAMILY) from junior golf.
ReplyDeletewhat is sad, is that someone can post something like this and only tell one side of the story. Trust me...the JGAA and the Police did a full investigation and the father of the girl is a crazy golf dad who wants his daughter to be the next tiger woods..strange how the girl they accused has always finished ahead of his...trust me..they do NOT allow physical abuse at their tournaments.
ReplyDeletethe jgaa and Ferris have did everything in their power to protect the names of the girls involved...just because the outcome of what happened was not posted all over the internet, does not mean it was not resolved...people, this is a blog...do not comment when you are not aware of the facts.
ReplyDeleteMR REYES IS A FUCKING FREAK..............
ReplyDeleteAs they say, the truth hurts as people act like cowards online. I believe the victim's family especially when the detectives were involved & witnesses came forward. You have to respect the family's courage & determination to fight using the system of justice. We sure live in a society that likes to hide things under the rug to protect a few successful cronies. Time will always reveal true character.
ReplyDeleteWhoever cowardly is disparaging Mr. Reyes here is really talking about Bob Kerley. I think any parent will protect their child when injustice happens. Golf is supposed to be a game of character. I've seen Bob behave very weird during junior tournaments. He will do anything to get his daughter to the LPGA tour even if he needs to sacrifice his and daughter's integrity and character. He's really living his pro golf dream thru his daughter. As the great John Wooden explained, "the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”
ReplyDeleteJust saying.....I'm starting to see some racial connotations in this drama. These people are playing with fire but then again it must be the AZ dry heat getting into people's lack of intellect. Let me know if you need some help in taking some the f-cowards to the woodshed for some common sense education, New Jersey or Chicago style.
ReplyDeleteIt's really funny how I see lots of douchebags in junior golf, i.e., white guys who have asian tatoos and wearing designer jeans. Just saying...be real people!
ReplyDelete