Criminal charges mulled after ugly soccer incident in Brookings goes viral

BROOKINGS — An incident Friday night during a boys soccer game between Brookings and Rapid City Central at Fishback Soccer Park led to a Rapid City Central player’s ejection and possibly facing criminal charges.

With a little under four minutes left in the first half Rapid City Central’s Jaxson Bergman shoved Brookings’ Kyler Soost to the ground out of bounds near the Rapid City Central bench. 

Bergman then proceeded to kick Soost in the back or head while he was on the ground and then punched him in the head five times before things were broken up.

Below is a post from Matt Kerney on 'X' that has video of the incident. 

https://x.com/MattKerney/status/2088696324795314610

The game was delayed for more than 10 minutes and Bergman was escorted to the buses. Police were called to the scene and interviewed those who were involved. The incident was broadcasted and captured on the Bobcats live feed on YouTube. That video is now private, but the incident has been posted on social media and viewed millions of times.

Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson told the Brookings Beacon that his office is aware of the incident and “the matter is under review and we’re gathering additional information.”

Brookings Police Chief Michael Drake also issued a statement to Brookings Radio.

“The City of Brookings Police Department was made aware of a possible assault that occurred during the boys soccer game at the complex. We are currently investigating this matter,” Drake said.

South Dakota High School Activities Association Executive Director Dan Swartos said on Sunday night “It was a completely unacceptable action. There’s no place for it in sports or anywhere else. I’ll be working with both schools through the situation. Any ejection carries a one game suspension. Any additional suspensions or other student disciplinary action will be handled and disclosed in accordance with district and [Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act] regulations.”

SDHSAA is the organization that regulates high school sports in the state.

Rapid City Central shared a statement with KELOLand News on Monday.

“Rapid City Central is aware of an incident involving a player from our soccer program and players from another South Dakota team during a soccer match,” the statement said. “We expect all students to demonstrate respect, sportsmanship and appropriate behavior at all times, both on and off the field. We do not condone behavior that does not meet those expectations. Appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with RCAS policies and procedures.”

Brookings Superintendent Summer Schultz issued a statement to the Brookings Beacon on Monday afternoon.

“The Brookings School District recognizes the significant attention surrounding Friday’s soccer incident and its impact on the student-athletes, families, and communities involved,” Schultz said in the statement. "Participation in school athletics is a privilege. With that privilege comes the responsibility to compete with sportsmanship, respect, and accountability. Emotions can run high in competition, but how we respond in difficult moments matters. I would ask everyone to remember that we are dealing with young people, and our obligation is to provide a safe and supportive environment as they move forward from an incident that has gained national attention.

“We recognize there are questions about what happens next. Student disciplinary matters are private, including between school districts. While we cannot share those details, we can continue to support our students, reflect on the lessons we can take from this experience, and maintain the expectation that school athletics should help young people become better competitors, teammates, and people.”

Brookings won the game 2-1. The Bobcats then lost 4-1 to Rapid City Stevens on Saturday. Brookings will play at Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Tuesday at 4 p.m.