SANTA ANA, Calif. (KNX) — The mother of a teenage girl who was caught on film sucker-punching an opposing player in a youth basketball game in November has been charged for her role in allegedly encouraging the attack.
Latira Shonty Hunt, 44, of La Puente was charged with misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and battery.
Orange County prosecutors have alleged Hunt was in the stands of the Nov. 7 game at the Map Sports Facility in Garden Grove. Her daughter reportedly had an on-court interaction with an opposing player, after which Hunt allegedly told her, “You better hit her for that.”
Hunt’s daughter then approached the other player and struck her in the head. The incident was caught on video and posted to social media by the mother of the injured girl, who told reporters her daughter suffered a concussion as a result.
Hunt faces up to a year behind bars if convicted. It was not yet known Thursday when her first court appearance would be scheduled.
“It is unconscionable that a parent would encourage her child to engage in violence during a sporting event,” O.C. District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement.
The father of Hunt’s daughter, former NBA player Corey Benjamin, issued a statement on social media after the incident apologizing for his daughter’s conduct.
“As a father, I’m shocked and disappointed at my daughter’s behavior as this is not a reflection of the values and standards my family holds,” he said. “To the young lady who was punched by my daughter during a youth basketball game, I sincerely apologize to you and I am praying for your healing both physically and emotionally.”
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