A youth wrestler from Illinois has been cited by police for sucker punching his opponent after losing the match, TMZ reports.
Video of the encounter posted online shows how the incident unfolded on April 8 at the 2023 Beat the Streets Developmental FS Tournament in Oak Park.
Cooper Corder had pinned down Hafid Alicea long enough to win the match 14-2 in the 125-128 weight class. After the two got up from the mat, Corder reached out for a handshake.
Alicea partially extended his hand but then punched Corder in the face, knocking him down back onto the mat.
Adults intervened immediately and took Alicea aside while Corder remained grounded.
“I remember there was this stinging in my face. I balled up and I checked for blood. I looked up to see my stepdad and mom checking me,” the 14-year-old Cooper told WGN-TV.
Disgusting footage from #wrestling match in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Here is Hafid Alicea (Maine West HS) SUCKER PUNCHING Cooper Corder (SPAR Wrestling Academy) after losing 14-2.
Even worse, he fakes a hand shake and then floors Corder after their Freestyle match for 3rd place. pic.twitter.com/UryZ3O5P1M
— Talen Guzman (@TalenGuzman) April 18, 2023
On Thursday, the Oak Park Police Department issued Alicea a citation after he admitted to investigators that he punched his opponent because “he was angry that he had lost the match,” TMZ reports. All parties cooperated in the police investigation.
As a result of the citation, Alicea could be fined or face other penalties. He will also be suspended from wrestling for one year, according to WGN-TV.
Corder is a student at SPAR Academy and Alicea attends Maine West High School.
Despite a broken nose, Corder has no plans to stop wrestling.
“He is making the best of the situation and is already back to training,” SPAR Academy founder Justin Pearch told TMZ.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode below.
[Feature Photo: Twitter]
