DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — A Deerfield Beach youth football team has lost its funding, from the city causing outcry from parents.
Parents were angered Tuesday night after a city vote went in favor of funding a new organization, The McDougal Family Foundation.
The Deerfield Packer Rattlers, who have played in Deerfield Beach for 40 years, now have to leave. "I am suggesting there is an ulterior motive," said parent Andrea Butler.
The foundation, founded by former NFL players, will receive all of the funding that was previously split and would gain the football field the Packer Rattlers play on.
"We’re offering a quality program to the people of Deerfield Beach, and we’re very excited," said Stockard McDougal, with the McDougal family Foundation, Inc.
The Deerfield Beach mayor was the only dissenting voice. The city said the move was a better use of taxpayer dollars. They also pointed out the 2012 arrest of a Packer Rattlers coach for gambling on youth football, in their decision.
City commissioner Gloria Battle berated the Packer Rattlers for their lack of organization. "I asked you for documentation, you never provided it," she said.
The head of the Packer Rattlers was left stunned by the decision. "It’s unbelievable," said Packer Rattlers president Alex Benefield.
Benefield said that while he initially thought the vote may have been a death sentence, he does not feel that way anymore. He is convinced that the 200 team members will stay with the Packer Rattlers no matter where they end up.