HOUSTON—Gang violence infiltrated a Pee Wee football league last weekend in southwest Houston, prompting organizers to have extra security when the teams took the field Saturday.
Houston Police officers patrolled Law Park in southeast Houston, where a fight between rival gang members disrupted several Pee Wee games last weekend.
Last week’s games stopped after a rumor started that some of the gang members were retrieving weapons. Witnesses said the fight broke out over a dispute between members of the Bloods and Crips gangs.
"I rounded up my children and I left, period. I mean that’s it," said Jessica Harris, a mother of two sons who play in the league.
Last Saturday, when Harris heard guns might be present after a fight broke out, she didn’t stick around to find out if the rumor was true.
"She told me that it was time to go," said her son Jackson.
Harris and her husband have two sons in the league and a daughter who cheerleads. They said they could not help but be nervous about coming back Saturday.
But the fears were eased for everyone as police continued to arrive at the park.
Activist Quanell X said he was happy to see the city address the issue.
"I am grateful that the Houston Police Department did have additional security," said Quanell.
Security has been an ongoing issue at the park. Recently coaches were asked to pay $25 a week to increase surveillance during league play.
However, the majority of coaches have said they don’t have the money and hope it doesn’t come to the $25-per-week fee.
"Security is a legitimate issue, but the legitimate issue is more parents need to be actively involved," said Quanell.
Quanell X said many more parents were in attendance Saturday. While he hopes the presence continues, others hope the sportsmanship taught on the fields is not marred by kids on the street who do not know how to play fair.
