Connecticut wrestling coach slaps student over ‘six-seven’ joke: prosecutors
A high school wrestling coach at Norwich Free Academy in Connecticut, Steven E. Nelson, allegedly lost his temper over a social media trend and slapped a student athlete during a practice session. The incident occurred in December when Nelson noticed the student was not putting in enough effort while working out on a stationary bike. He instructed the boy to increase his speed from 30 rotations per minute to 60 or 70. In response, the student jokingly replied, “Coach, six-seven,” referring to a popular slang term among the younger generation.
This seemingly innocent remark triggered Nelson, who allegedly struck the student in the face with an open hand. The student, who started crying, asked Nelson not to touch his face. Subsequently, he left the practice, went home, took a nap, and vomited upon waking up. Concerned, the student’s father took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with head trauma and a concussion. The police confirmed a mark on the student’s left cheek measuring about 1½ inches by 1½ inches.
Nelson defended his actions, claiming he only “tapped” the student to refocus him. He suggested that he may have intended to hit the student on the shoulder but accidentally struck his head. However, video footage from the school showed Nelson and the student engaging in physical contact multiple times during practice.
The student’s neurologist later confirmed symptoms of nausea, ringing in the ears, and depression. Despite other student witnesses supporting Nelson’s account of the incident, he was placed on paid administrative leave the day after the altercation and was charged with third-degree assault and risk of injury to a child in April.
During his arraignment, Nelson had several supporters present, including Lisa Zeppieri, a parent of a student on the wrestling team, who described him as mild-mannered and supportive of the kids. She expressed hope for a resolution of the misunderstanding and the return of Nelson to his coaching duties.
