Investigation Continues Into Shots Fired At Century Football Game; Team Owners, Mayor React

April 9, 2019

The investigation is continuing into gunshots that were fired following a minor league adult football game Saturday night in Century.

After the Pensacola Jets beat the host team T.C. Venom at Anthony Pleasant Park, a brawl broke out and at least three shots were fired by someone on the field. There were no injuries.

(Shooting can be heard at about 37 seconds into the video below.)

Now, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to review video obtained exclusively by NorthEscambia.com and question witnesses, and the two teams are blaming each other.

T.C. Venom head coach Luis Waters said a Pensacola Jets player provoked a female Venom fan before the game even started.

“I tried to de-escalate the situation by talking to the owner and head coach, Fred Barnett, of the Pensacola Jets. He pretty much said it was fine, and I told him that it wasn’t and this was our field and our rules.”

“I threatened to have that guy removed from the game before the game even started. That player later came to me on the sideline shortly before kickoff and apologized to me for his words and his actions,” he said.

It was that player, the Venom coach said, that was later ejected from the game “because he still couldn’t control himself. Players like that have a lack of disciple, lack of leadership. I feel like the owner and head coach of the Pensacola Jets has failed that player as a head coach by not being able to control his guys.”

In a statement, Barnett said, “The events that took place after our game in Century against the Venom was unfortunate and shouldn’t have happened and couldn’t been prevented. The Jets and the league are not about situations like this.”

Waters agreed the fight and subsequent gunfire should have never occurred. “No fight should ever happen at any sporting event. If you cannot be a man and show your sportsmanship… somebody’s got to win. You suck it up and show your sportsmanship. You shake hands, and you go home.”

“We are going to back up; we are going to put this situation behind us. Hopefully the town of Century and the community of Flomaton stands behind us,” Water said. “We are going to tighten up on security at our next home game.”

Water said there were deputies at Anthony Pleasant Park on Saturday, but they were not paid security. He said he spoke to one of them at halftime, but they were no longer in the park by the end of the game.

In his statement, Barnett said, “The APDFL has zero tolerance for violence and guns, that’s why it is in our league bylaws that uniformed officers are required at each game. The Venom did not adhere to that rule.”

Mayor Reacts

“I was disappointed, because this was grown folks,” Century Mayor Hawkins said late Monday afternoon. “Somebody just acted irrationally and stupid.”

Hawkins said as far as he is concerned, the Venom will be able to play their remaining home game May 11 on the town’s field. He acknowledged the issue will likely be discussed the next town council meeting, but he will recommended that the game go on because Waters has promised to have adequate security.

In 2011, the town implemented a policy requiring a deputy at most events held at their two indoor community centers after two people were shot. Hawkins said that policy does not extend to the outdoor sports fields and any deputy would be the financial responsibility of the team.

“If I required deputies at these events (at the outdoor parks), I am going to have to require deputies at little league because sometimes the parents get worse than the children. That’s evident because of what happened Saturday,” he said.

NorthEscambia.com photos.

Comments

8 Responses to “Investigation Continues Into Shots Fired At Century Football Game; Team Owners, Mayor React”

  1. Duke of Wawbeek on April 12th, 2019 11:40 am

    I do suppose that I might as well bring mine too.

    I wonder if there are any skybox vacancies?

  2. Willis on April 9th, 2019 9:11 pm

    Yep!!!
    People from Pensacola come to Century bring their guns discharge a few rounds and it’s all Century’s fault never any gunshots in Pensacola huh ?

    Yeah we got guns and drugs and dummies just like the rest of the county.

    Oh I almost forgot and lots of good people also.

  3. Bob C. on April 9th, 2019 2:13 pm

    Gotta have people shot or shot at or just some good old fashioned gunfire in a crowd of people before the mayor feels some security is needed?
    Century used to be a Wonderful little town and the entry point into Florida.
    Instead of the sawmill sign Welcoming perhaps a Warning Possible Random Gunfire notice should be posted.
    And Mr Mayor has his head stuck in the sandpit along with the rest of the City Council.

  4. Tammy Simmons on April 9th, 2019 11:15 am

    I think it pretty CRAPPY! that the Mayer is fussing about it should not be his responsibility to hire security for the ballgames. If CENTURY had all the money that has DISAPPEARED, it wouldn’t be a problem. Is it not his place to have the residents of Century’s BEST INTERREST and SAFETY to attend TOWN EVENTS and Support our LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM? What EXACTY DOES HE THINK HIS RESPONSIBILITYS ARE? because HES not held up ANY OF THOSE!

  5. Mr Benny on April 9th, 2019 9:48 am

    Are you sure this happened? I thought someone said the mayor called this story “a lie”!

  6. Chris on April 9th, 2019 8:16 am

    Somebody just acted irrationally and stupid. Is the mayor talking about Council meetings or the ball game?

  7. tg on April 9th, 2019 7:25 am

    WARNING when attending anything in Century wear your Bullet Proof Vest.

  8. Troy! on April 9th, 2019 5:35 am

    guess Troy didn’t get off the field…

    listen to your momma Troy.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News