Fort Myers mom arrested, accused of 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 does not have a prior criminal history. She now faces two charges after allegedly punching and kicking a 13-year-old boy on another team.

Body camera video shows her fighting attitude continued even as deputies arrested her. "Are you mad at them for hitting me?" Lambert said.

"I'm mad at an adult for attacking a kid. Stop. You're detained right now," a deputy responded.

"No, I'm not," Lambert said.

The incident happened at Brooks Park on 50 South Road, just off of U.S. 41 near Page Field. Deputies were working a detail during the game between the Southwest Florida Panthers and Fort Myers Falcons when the fight broke out.

"I think I was utterly shocked, because her son wasn't even on the field," said Kurtis Jones, who filmed the fight.

Jones is a high school student who films games for his dad's media company. He even played for the Falcons when he was younger.

Video of the incident shows yelling, pushing and physical contact on the field. Once slowed down, the footage shows a mother throwing punches and even kicking at a 13-year-old boy on the opposing team.

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

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

Lambert was arrested by nearby deputies working the game detail. Body camera footage shows her resisting arrest.

"You are being pointed out as being a suspect right now. You are detained. You are detained," a deputy said.

"Where's number nine? Go get number nine," Lambert said.

"A kid?! You're an adult," the deputy responded.

Lambert is charged with resisting an officer and cruelty towards a child. Despite the incident, Jones defended the organization.

"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 released Sunday after spending Saturday night in jail. The game was cancelled 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. “

WINK News contacted the SWFL Panthers for a statement regarding the altercation.

Provided below is their statement:

"What took place at the recent youth football game is deeply unfortunate and not a reflection of who we are as organizations or as a community. One moment does not define the character, values, or integrity of the programs involved. We want to be very clear one bad apple does not define who the Fort Myers Falcons are. Their board and leadership did everything in their power to de-escalate the situation before it could become worse, and that effort does not go unnoticed. We also want to extend our appreciation to everyone who stepped in to help separate those involved. Your actions helped prevent the situation from escalating further, and that speaks volumes about the people within our football community. At SWFL Panthers, we have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. Our mission has always been bigger than football it’s about developing young athletes, building character, and creating a safe, positive environment for everyone involved. Our number one priority will always be the safety of our players, families, and supporters, as well as protecting their privacy during situations like this. We ask for respect, understanding, and unity as we continue to move forward together as a community.

One Team. One Family. One Mission."