Fort Myers mom arrested after punching 13-year-old at youth football game

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—A youth football game at Brooks Park ended with a mother in handcuffs after she allegedly attacked a 13-year-old player on the opposing team.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office says 34-year-old Renee Lambert has no prior criminal history. However, she now faces two charges after allegedly punching and kicking a 13-year-old boy on another team.

The fight broke out between the Southwest Florida Panthers and Fort Myers Falcons at Brooks Park on 50 South Road, just off of U.S. 41 near Page Field. Yelling, pushing, and physical contact are what you expect on a football field, but not from the parents.

"You got a bunch of 13-year-olds fighting on the field. Well, that parent takes this into her own hands. She comes onto the field, grabs a kid, and starts striking the kid. We have no room for this," Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said.

Video footage showed Lambert punching and kicking a 13-year-old boy from the opposing team. 

"I think after the mom stepped on the field, it definitely made it bigger than what it was," high school student Kurtis Jones said.

Jones, who films football games for his father’s media company, was in complete shock at the altercation.

"I think I was utterly shocked, because her son wasn't even on the field," Jones said. "I think it was just one bad seed, one bad apple. That whole organization is amazing people, amazing people I grew up with," Jones said.

Lambert was arrested by nearby deputies working a detail during the game.

Lambert has been charged with resisting an officer and cruelty towards a child. Since her arrest on Saturday, Lambert has been released from Jail on Sunday.

The game was canceled after the fight.

WINK News contacted the Fort Myers Falcons Youth Football Organization for a statement regarding the altercation.

Provided below is their statement:

“The Fort Myers Falcons Youth Football Organization is aware of the incident that occurred during a recent game involving players, parents, and spectators. We want to be clear: we do not condone violence, disorderly conduct, or inappropriate behavior from student-athletes, parents, coaches, or supporters under any circumstances.

The actions seen during this game do not reflect the values of our organization. The Fort Myers Falcons exist to provide youth with mentorship, discipline, guidance, and personal development through football in a safe and structured environment.

We are especially disappointed that an adult inserted themselves into a conflict involving children. Adults are expected to lead by example and help de-escalate situations—not escalate them. As a result of this incident, the parent involved has been permanently banned from all Fort Myers Falcons events and activities.

We also want to recognize our coaching staff, who immediately worked to separate those involved, protect the players, and restore order. Our coaches were placed in a difficult position while attempting to remove an agitated parent without crossing boundaries or using unnecessary force. Their priority remained the safety of the children.

Our organization has consistently instructed parents and spectators not to enter the field of play or interfere with matters involving players, referees, or coaches. Those situations must be handled by league officials and staff. When adults ignore these rules, it creates unnecessary risk and disrupts the environment for everyone involved.

We fully support law enforcement as they investigate this matter and will cooperate with any review. We remain committed to reinforcing sideline expectations and ensuring this program continues to be a positive and structured environment for our young athletes. “