Trial of soccer dad accused of hitting girl underway on Long Island
HEMPSTEAD, Nassau County (WABC) -- The Long Island man says he didn't hit the 11-year-old. He says that the girl collided with another player on the field, and he stepped in to make sure things didn't escalate.
In court on Friday, however, the 11-year-old cried as she recalled what happened. She says he slapped her and yelled at her.
The incident happened at a soccer field in Uniondale during an intense game last fall.
In court documents, 44-year-old Michael Stallone is accused of hitting the young player in the face with "an open hand and elbow... causing substantial pain to her face."
Stallone's lawyer says the whole thing is a misunderstanding. He didn't slap anyone.
"Again, I'm not saying this young girl is lying. I just don't think she was capable of processing what took place at the time that this within this 2 seconds. We're talking two, maybe 3 seconds between collision and off the field," Marc Gann, defense attorney, said. "I mean, did my client step onto the field? Yes. That he stepped onto the field, in my view, to prevent any further contact or any further issues and to make sure kids were okay after what was really a violent collision between two young girls, 11-year-olds on a soccer field."
The trial continues on Monday. A few more witnesses are expected to be called.
Jury deliberations will likely begin on Tuesday.
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