Citronelle fathers charged in fight, star QB Daylon Edmunds may also face charges, police chief says

 

 

By WILLIE GRAY

CITRONELLE — An altercation in the stands following Citronelle’s 14-7 win over UMS-Wright Friday night resulted in the fathers of two players being charged with disorderly conduct and star quarterback Daylon Edmunds being suspended and facing a possible assault charge, police chief Chris McLean said.

While Wildcats players and coaches celebrated on the field, two men identified as Stephen Byrd and Chris Edmunds, the fathers of starting Citronelle players Daylon Edmunds and Sye Byrd, became involved in a physical altercation, McLean said. Edmunds is a former police chief in Millry.

“From what we have been able to learn through the investigation, one of the fathers accused the other of saying something about his son and the argument became heated,” McLean said.

Video of the altercation, which surfaced on social media in the days following the incident, showed Byrd being restrained when Edmunds began jumping and swinging his fists over and around the men restraining Byrd.

McLean said the video posted on social media is thought to be the second part of the altercation. The first part between the two was stalled as people separated the two men.

In addition to Chris Edmunds throwing punches at Byrd, the video showed Daylon Edmunds, who was still wearing his uniform and pads, run from the players’ meeting and into the stands where the altercation occurred. Daylon Edmunds is seen throwing several punches toward Byrd, with the first one hitting him on the right side of his head. Moments later, the men are seen on the video leaving the stands.

McLean said Monday he signed arrest warrants against both fathers on charges of disorderly conduct.

“That could change but we cannot and will not tolerate this type of behavior,” McLean said. “They are the fathers of football players who had just defeated a regional opponent and these two spoiled the night because of a disagreement.”

McLean said Daylon Edmunds was seen plainly striking Byrd with his fist, which could result in an assault charge against the quarterback.

“We are leaving that up to the victim in that case, which is Mr. Byrd,” McLean said. “If he wants to press charges, then we will arrest and charge him.”

School officials indicated Daylon Edmunds, who transferred from Millry in the offseason, has been suspended from the team and school.

Chris Edmunds said Monday the punishment for his son is too strong.

“I think it’s too harsh of a punishment for a kid who has never been in trouble,” Chris Edmunds told WKRG-TV. “He’s a straight-A student. I’m not saying he shouldn’t be held accountable but I think it’s overboard to remove him from the football team.”

Citronelle hosts B.C. Rain Friday at 7 p.m. and increased police presence is expected.