16-year-old Tennessee girl who ran on field and tackled football player midgame is charged with assault

NBC News • August 20, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

A 16-year-old girl was criminally charged after running onto the field and tackling a middle school football player during a game in Tennessee, an incident captured on a viral video.
The attack occurred during a game between South Middle School and Cornersville Middle School at Franklin County High School, prompting referees to immediately end the game and clear the field.
The girl was charged with assault and disorderly conduct, released to her parents, and permanently banned from all Franklin County School System properties, as well as barred from attending Cornersville games for one year.
No injuries were reported from the incident, and South Middle School was awarded a 35-0 victory after the game was called in the third quarter.