California mom accused of telling her daughter to hit another kid during basketball game

SANTA ANA, Calif (TCD) -- A 44-year-old mother faces charges after reportedly yelling at her daughter to hit another kid during a youth basketball game last month — all of which went viral in a video.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Latira (Tira) Shonty Hunt was in the stands at the MAPS sports facility Nov. 7 watching her daughter play in the game. The District Attorney’s Office says Hunt yelled to her daughter, "You better hit her for that" after an interaction she had with someone on the court. The daughter reportedly hit that rival player, and she fell to the court.

On Thursday, Dec. 9, Hunt was charged with one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one misdemeanor count of battery. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Hunt "faces a maximum sentence of one year in Orange County Jail if convicted on all counts."

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a press release, "It is unconscionable that a parent would encourage her child to engage in violence during a sporting event. Youth sports are invaluable in teaching our children discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. But a win at all costs mentality that is completely devoid of fair play, respect, and civility is disgusting."

District Attorney Todd Spitzer added, "I will not allow a child to be intentionally subjected to physical harm under the guise of a youth sporting event under any circumstances. Cheer your children on. Encourage them to excel in every aspect of life, from the classroom to the courtroom. But if you cross the line and encourage violence, I will prosecute you. We must do better for our children."

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