Ex-congressman scuffles with youth soccer coach after son’s game; police investigating

Ex-congressman scuffles with youth soccer coach

JACKSON, Miss. — Police are investigating a fight between a former Mississippi congressman and a youth-league soccer coach after a weekend game.

Madison Police Sgt. Robert Sanders says Chip Pickering, a Republican who served 12 years in the U.S. House, was accused of attacking the coach Sunday.

Chris Hester, who claims he was wearing a neck brace at the time, says Pickering yelled at him and pulled him from his car as he tried to leave.

Pickering says he confronted the coach because Hester verbally abused his son so badly the child was crying uncontrollably. He says he defended himself because Hester attacked him first.

Hester coaches the team that played Pickering’s son’s team.

Both men could be charged with misdemeanor simple assault.