Football is a team sport; unless Demias is single-handedly coaching, snapping, passing, receiving, and/or running the ball, the players on the team are working together to score. The "de facto commissioner" demonstrates her ignorance with her comment: "The other players on both teams, 21 are just left sort of, this is all Demias." This rule serves to penalize the entire team for accomplishing the goal of the game: scoring. At age 11, kids understand competition and that effort gets results. As the mother of a 10-year-old, I would defend my child's ability to exercise his talent in the context of a coordinated team sport. Allowing kids to work through disappointment and failure is a far greater lesson than teaching them that life should be "fair". The bright spot in all of this is that Demias is obviously a great kid and has already risen above the fray with his assessment of the situation. Congrats to Demias and his family for demonstrating true character in the face of pandering to mediocrity and social promotion.

This kid is good!!!!! happy happy joy joy!!! Now can we get on with the news now? This article has been on here for it seems like a month. This kid can run.... He's not the first and wont be the last. We're proud for him but come on people its not something to get hung up on.

This is a joke!!! Life is a competition at all times. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. These kids won't be getting this kind of treatment in their adult life. The other not so talented kids should strive to be more like this boy when he is playing, not sitting on the bench. Something is wrong with all these "Political Correctness" people.

I say let the kid play, unlimited by this rule. He's only going to be a kid once and for a limited time. Let him do the things he does best and wants to do. I was always told that if one is going to be a football player, then be THE best one.

I'm not sure if this has been clarified or not, but the "Wilson Intermediate Football League" is simply a collection of four intramural teams. This is not a league--these are students playing against THEIR FRIENDS on the the field. When they are in 7th grade, they will be on the same team. So yes, it is quite important that each player develop his skills. Congratulations to young Jimerson for recognizing that he has a great talent. He will be a name to watch in Malvern football for six year... that is if the private schools don't come in and recruit him *sigh*

If teams are ahead by a lot coaches will take out the first string and put in second and third strings. How is this any different? Plus, it's 6th grade football for crying out loud. Is this going to ruin his chances at getting into a good middle school?

If teams are ahead by a lot coaches will take out the first string and put in second and third strings. How is this any different? Plus, it's 6th grade football for crying out loud. Is this going to ruin his chances at getting into a good middle school?

Why is everyone so riled up by this? This outstanding young athelete say's he understands,and is okay with this. That,in itself,should be enough said.This young man will go on to shine for years to come,and should be applauded for his good sportsmanship!I wish him the best life has to offer.But shouldn't we be more concerned by the mistreatment of children?I see way more comments here,than in the story of a 10 year old girl, who has had all of her dignity stripped away, by a 38 year old man!We do need to get our priorities straightened out,somewhat.This young man definately deserves his time in the limelight,and I feel sure he will get plenty in the years to come.We shouldn't be upset over something thats not upsetting our kids.

Why is everyone so riled by this?The child say's he understands this reasoning,and is fine with it.That,in itself,shows this young man to be of impecible character,a good sport with great leadership capabilities,a roll model to his peers.Shouldn't we all be more concerned,with a young girl his age,who has had all of her dignity stripped away by a 38 year old man?Not to take anything away from this fine young athelete,but shouldn't we

This is the whole participation ribbon mentality. Some kids excel, some do not. Those who do should never be held back. There is no "fair" in sports or life. There are winners and losers, and as long as we continue to patronize kids, they will never try harder.