A three-year-old soccer standout from Florida is receiving high-profile support from Jay-Z and Roc Nation Sports after a youth league dispute that led to police being called to the field went viral.
Nevada Pierre, who has built a large social media following for his advanced ball skills, was playing in an i9 Sports youth league game against older children (up to age 5) at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Winter Park, Florida, on October 24, 2026.
Videos shared by his family show the toddler dribbling past opponents, maintaining possession, and scoring multiple goals with ease. His parents have said he has scored dozens of goals this season while competing against kids two years older.
According to the family, league officials repeatedly substituted Nevada because of his dominance, which limited other children’s opportunities with the ball. Tension escalated, and a league official called 911, reporting an “unruly parent.” Police responded. Body-camera footage and the 911 audio later released by the Winter Park Police Department show the official telling officers that Nevada was “very advanced” and scored a lot of goals but also allegedly pushed other children. The official sought to have the family leave the park and offered a full refund of the season fee. No arrests were made, and the family left after receiving the refund.
Nevada’s parents, Don Pierre and Martasia Griffin (also referred to as Martasia Griffith), maintain their son was unfairly targeted for being too skilled. In videos and interviews, Don Pierre stated that police were called “because he’s too good” and because “he had the ball for too long and nobody else can get the ball.” His mother has said the experience left the three-year-old confused and traumatized, though he still wants to play soccer. A GoFundMe campaign launched by the family to support his training, equipment, travel, and development has raised tens of thousands of dollars.
The incident drew widespread attention online and support from public figures, including former U.S. Men’s National Team player Eddie Johnson, who has offered to train Nevada at his academy in Orlando, and others such as Robert Griffin III.
Reports now indicate that Jay-Z and Roc Nation Sports have reached out to the family. According to multiple accounts, including statements shared by media personalities, Roc Nation Sports has committed to supporting Nevada’s development, including plans to send him to Spain in December for an “impactful athletic experience.” Roc Nation Sports has also featured the young player on its Instagram, aligning with broader expressions of support for him to continue pursuing the sport.
The story has sparked broader conversations about youth sports equity, the challenges of managing exceptional talent in recreational leagues, and how such situations are handled. Nevada’s family has emphasized their desire for him to keep playing and developing without the controversy defining his early experiences on the field.
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