Kentucky Sideline Incident: Woman Charged With Strangling High School Football Player
Police say a 36-year-old visitor grabbed a Wayne County athlete by the neck during a melee on Oct. 30; the player was hospitalized and released.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Kayla Barrett, 36, of Laurel County, faces a felony charge for second-degree strangulation following an incident at a Wayne County High School football game. Monticello Police say she assaulted a player during an Oct. 30 contest against North Laurel High School.
The disturbance began after a tackle sent a player out of bounds, sparking a scuffle among athletes. Barrett, who was standing near the sideline, entered the group. Monticello Assistant Chief Joshua Smith stated that she ran toward the action and grabbed one of the Wayne County athletes by the back of the neck. He described how she began choking and shaking the player.
The victim reported difficulty breathing during the attack. Medical staff treated him at a hospital and released him. Police believe he will recover fully. Barrett departed the venue immediately after the incident. Smith noted that an officer was able to identify her quickly after she drove away.
Kentucky State Police arrested Barrett on Nov. 3. She has since been released on bond. Smith expressed the department's intent to keep student-athletes safe, saying, “Hopefully, she’s not allowed back at a sporting event.”
The case involves specific allegations of physical contact during a high school sporting event in Wayne County. The charges stem from the physical struggle described by law enforcement and the medical treatment the player received.
