(Ripley County) - An Ohio former youth football coach whom was accused of assaulting a Milan youth football player appeared in court this week.

50 yo Leon Morales pleaded not guilty and was given a $1,000 bond during an initial hearing at the Ripley County Courthouse.

Authorities say Morales turned himself in on September 30, which was a week after the warrant was issued.

He was a coach for Reading (Ohio) and allegedly pushed a fifth grade Milan player to the ground during a game on September 6.

It resulted in the coach being ejected from the game and later disqualified from coaching or attending any future Tri-State Youth Football Association games.

He has been charged with Battery on a Person Less than 14 Years Old.

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