Dad of Teen Accused of Stabbing Star Football Player Claims Son Wasn’t the ‘Aggressor’
The father of the teenager accused of stabbing a high school football star during a shocking altercation is speaking out, claiming his son was not the aggressor in the tragic incident that has stunned the community.
The confrontation, which took place outside a neighborhood gathering late Friday night, left 17-year-old Jamal Thompson—an all-state wide receiver with scholarship offers from several Division I schools—hospitalized in critical condition. The accused teen, whose name is being withheld due to his age, was taken into custody shortly after the incident and is currently facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
But according to the boy’s father, the public has only heard one side of the story.
“My son is not a violent kid. He’s never been in trouble, never carried a weapon before that night,” the father told reporters. “He was being cornered, surrounded, threatened. He defended himself. That’s what happened.”
Sources say tensions had been brewing between the two teens over what some describe as an ongoing personal dispute, possibly involving a romantic interest. The party, which was mostly attended by students from the same high school, reportedly turned tense when the football player confronted the accused teen. Witnesses described a verbal altercation escalating quickly, with shouts and pushing, before the stabbing occurred.
While police have yet to confirm exact details of the encounter, authorities say surveillance footage and multiple eyewitnesses are helping them piece together the moments leading up to the attack. The father, however, insists the footage will show his son was being targeted.
“He tried to walk away,” the father continued. “He was grabbed, pushed. There were other boys around. He was scared.”
Family and friends of the victim, meanwhile, have expressed outrage and heartbreak over the incident. Jamal’s coach described him as a “leader, a future star, and a good kid,” and his teammates held a vigil over the weekend in his honor, wearing his jersey number and praying for his recovery.
“Jamal didn’t deserve this,” said one teammate. “He was just out trying to enjoy the night like everyone else. Nobody saw this coming.”
The accused teen’s attorney has requested a review of the charges and is urging prosecutors to consider self-defense. “This is a deeply unfortunate situation,” the lawyer said in a statement. “But rushing to judgment without the full context does a disservice to everyone involved.”
As Jamal fights for his life, the incident has sparked broader discussions about teen violence, toxic masculinity, and the pressure-cooker environment of high school social life. Counselors have been made available at the school, and administrators are urging students and families to come forward with any information that may help investigators.
“This is a tragedy,” said the school principal. “Not just for Jamal, but for everyone involved. Our priority is healing, truth, and ensuring something like this never happens again.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
