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Local Soccer Game Turns Deadly Save Email Print
Reporter: Eli Ross
Email Address: eli.ross@kwtx.com
61 comments
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(August 25, 2008) - The family of a Marlin man is searching for answers after the 25-year-old died during a soccer game.

It happened on Aug. 19 on a tennis court owned by the city.

Friends say Quadilupe Rodriguez fell to the ground in pain after colliding with a pole on the tennis court.

Friends say Rodriguez hit a medal pin that holds the net in place.

The City of Marlin says the nets have been down for years and the tennis courts and many of the city's other parks are not checked on a regular basis.

Marlin's city manager says the City Council will talk about ways to improve the park at its next scheduled meeting.

Meanwhile Rodriguez' friends say they're trying to raise money to give him a proper memorial.
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Posted by: College Student Location: Central Texas on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:46 AM
KWTX your viewers racist comments should be edited.. Seriously doesn't the head manager realize that these ugly comments reflect what kind of ignornant viewers you attract. I'm surprised the advertisers on this website still pay to be part of this station. I loved watching your news but I'm literally offended by the rude heartless racist comments you get on a daily basis. I realize its freedom of speech. Maybe you should do all away with these blogs before you KEEP LOSING VIEWERS UNTIL THEN I WILL WATCH OTHER LOCAL STATIONS THAT DO NOT SUPPORT RACIST COMMENTS.
Posted by: Joe Location: Waco on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:09 AM
It is really scary when any elected group begins to talk about a problem.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Temple on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Last time I checked, Texas has freedom of speech, but you are right! We are humans which ALL make stupid mistakes. Our mistakes are not to be blamed on anyone else! My regards go out to his loved ones.
Posted by: Looking Location: Texas on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:03 PM
I am still trying to find in the story where it says the family is going to or has filed a lawsuit. My prayers are with the family.
Posted by: CK Location: McGregor on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:38 PM
This was a freak accident. And my thoughts and prayers go out to his familey.I dont think the City of Marlin is to be held responsible for this, They chose to play there and one single pin had to do nothing with what happen,he hit that pole with such and impact that major organs couldnt handle it...So yes weather he was an illigel or white or back...It could happen to any of us.It was his time. Good luck and prayers to the famliley
Posted by: TENNIS MIKE Location: TENNIS COURT on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I reason that if the City will not or is not going to maintain the tennis courts, then have them removed. This will help reduce the overhead costs to the city. Really, how many "people" are playing tennis in these parks? Mostly these parks are places for crackheads and gangs to loiter. Shut 'em all down.!!!!
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:07 PM
I have never had any problem addressing my concerns personally.
Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I am deeply sorry for this man's family's loss. But it is ignorant to think that it is ok to play soccer on a concrete tennis court! To even suggest that a lawsuit against the city of Marlin would have any merit suggests the same kind of ignorance.
Posted by: mimi on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:07 PM
First, my thoughts and prayers to the family in their difficult time. I have plenty to say, but things must be tough enough for the family. I just hope that they can see through their grief and realize this was an accident, and not to put the blame on anyone. Suppose he fell and hit his head on a rock on the soccer field with the same tragic results?
Posted by: dude Location: texas on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:50 PM
"the family is searching for answers" here it is, HE COLLIDED WITH A POLE!!! the pole was just sitting there, minding its own business. i hope that answers all thier questions.
Posted by: Waco!000 Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:32 PM
(ME), your are a racist idiot who doesn't think before he/she types. A young hispanic man lost his life, which believe it or not racist, is worth as much as anybody elses, and all people can talk about is a lawsuit. For anyone who can read, you will notice that all the friends and family are getting together to pay for the memorial! I have yet to see a statement saying there will be a lawsuit, which i highly doubt there will be. They seem to be taking resposibility for the accident and are still getting talked about how would you like to fall at a city park and take resposibility and yet still have people saying "it was your fault and the city should not have to pay for it"! My condolences to the family, and may people quit making assumptions about your deceased brother or son.
Posted by: The Truth Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Why don't you look into the 25 minute response time for the ambulance service that is located less than a mile away, or the police that said "ohh he just had the breath knocked out of him, he'll be ok." Not that any of this would have made a difference. Or would it?
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Sorry for the guy and the family but aren't you supposed to watch where you are going? It is NOT the city's fault, at all.
Posted by: Me Location: CenTex on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Even if he was an illegal he was someone's son. Possibly someone's dad or husband. Shame on all of you that bash illegal's all the time. I'd like to see those of you that talk crap all the time say it to his family's face, and if you don't have the balls to do it, then maybe you shouldn't be saying it at all.
Posted by: ME Location: HERE on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM
city should not be responsible---it is PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK---HE WAS OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER. IT HAPPENED AND THE FAMILY HAS MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS BUT I HAVE TO AGREE DID HE TRIP AND FALL AGAINST IT OR WAS HE PUSHED INTO IT OR SHOVED INTO IT. I WOULD INVESTIGATE ALL PLAYERS AS WELL. CITY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HELP AT ALL---
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Katarina, my problem is with illegal aliens and ghetto thugs emulating their MTV gangsta rapper idols, it is not with RESPECTFUL law abiding citizens. In case you haven't noticed, I also have a problem with a lot of white people (I have posted many times that I believe certain white people should be lynched, particularly those who abuse children.) I also have a problem with white liberals who make excuses for irresponsible and/or criminal behaviors because it would be too politically incorrect to address the REAL issues. You know, if not for our Constitutional freedoms (one of which being Freedom of Speech), this site and the station/program it represents would not exist... you cannot censor everyone you do not agree with.
Posted by: SOO SAD Location: Central Texas on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I feel sorry for ALL of you people. If this was your family member you would want someone to show some compassion. The city gets away with things all the time. I have seen people get ran over by a police car but people like you have made laws pass that say the city is only responsible in some cases. So for the carelessness of "City Employees" these poor people are left with an "I'm sorry, they shouldn't have been there and your loved one would still be alive." I didn't hear anyone in the video ask for a million dollars or anything from the city. They asked for help from the community for the family, which is something do everyday. I can't believe so many people can be so COLD HEARTED.
Posted by: GLC Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:53 AM
I don't understand why everyone thinks it's up to someone else to pay for their mistakes. Yes, it is sad that the boy lost his life and my prayers go out to his family, but there are consequences to our actions. We have to take responsibility for our own actions. Just because he was on city property it should not be the city's responsibilty to pay. Yes, should they choose to do so, they can offer to help but should not be expected to. And should they offer the family should be grateful, but in so many cases like this the family (and I'm not saying how this family will react because I dont know them, I'm speaking in general here)isn't satisfied with what is offered, instead they want more HANDOUTS. The mentality is that everyone OWES them - not true - no one owes you anything. It is time people starting accepting the resposiblity of their own actions.
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I agree that the city of Marlin should not be at fault in this terrible accident. These people chose to play on the tennis court; not a soccer field. It was just a freak accident that cost someone their life. Why are people so quick to want to blame others? No one wants to take responsibility for anything these days.
Posted by: Katarina Location: Waco on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:38 AM
TO ME: YOU ARE A RACIST REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HE WAS AN ILLEGAL OR NOT HE WAS STILL MADE FROM THE SAME GOD THAT MADE US ALL REGARDLESS OF RACE, RELIGION!!! HE WAS STILL A HUMAN, SOMEONE'S LOVED ONE!! WHY DOES KWTX ALLOW IDIOTS LIKE ME TO WRITE SUCH STUPIDITY!!! KWTX SHOULD PROOF READ ALL COMMENTS MADE BEFORE POSTING THEM!! PROUD HISPANIC WOMAN BORN & RAISED IN TEXAS!!! PARA LA FAMILIA DE GUADALUPE MIS CONDOLENCIAS EN ESTE TIEMPO!!
Posted by: Supergirl Location: Robinson on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:30 AM
Concerned in Killeen - so if I am playing soccer on the soccer field and I fall in a hole and break my ankle - does this mean I can sue the city? When I take myself or my children to a public park I have the understanding that we are playing AT OUR OWN RISK. If the park is run down and beat up then I am either going to 1)go somewhere else or 2)stay there AT MY OWN RISK. The only people "responsible" for this tragedy are the people who chose to play soccer on the tennis court. This article doesn't even say that the family is trying to sue the city. They are just trying to raise money. Oh and Eli - did you mean to say METAL pin? @@
Posted by: HMMM on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Was he pushed, shoved or tripped? Soccer is a contact sport. That should be the question that should be answered first.
Posted by: TRUTH on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:19 AM
As of funernal expenses he should have had a life insurance policy! I have seen locks & fences meant to keep people out cut with bolt cutters. They will gain access if they want to. If the property was locked when the nets were taken down why was there a need to take the pins down? A locked fence means Stay out! What if they were ordering nets? If the nets would have been in place would they sue due to being strangled by the net. Use comman sense people! For those who don't know, A tennis court, an empty pool, a street, a basket ball court are not safe places to play soccer.
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Better watch out, Tony, ICE is coming to Waco.
Posted by: Angel Location: Central Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Municipalities are held to a different standard. Everyone wants money from a City. My child fell off the slide, my husband tripped off the sidewalk edge, I fell because there was something on the floor. These are all examples of everyday people complaining and wanting money for your own mistakes. If the city is at fault then its for the courts to prove not all of you. I for one get tired of hearing people complain to the city. It always the same you pay for us to work there, so do we. We don't get paid to walk you across a sidewalk or make sure you don't put your child on a hot slide. Hello! Even if an 8ft fence with barbed wired was there and someone climbed over it guess what...lawsuit....yeah it has happened.
Posted by: concerned Location: killeen on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:54 PM
someone lost his life on this city owned tennis court. He ran into a metal pin that was designed to hold a net for the tennis court. If the net would have been there, likely he would have avoided the area all together. Do NOT avoid responsibility were it is due. A person puts up a swimming pool, you are responsible for ANYONE WHO ENTERS YOUR POOL;in your yard with/without permission. Take responsibility for your property.
Posted by: tony Location: waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:27 PM
for the idoit that siad it was just an illegal he needs to open his eyes because if it was someone in his family he be thinking about doing something to the city and himself trying to get something from them to benefit himself.
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:06 PM
He was probably an illegal, anyway.
Posted by: AH Location: Temple on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Okay! So the nets were down. Do you all really think if the nets were there it would of prevent him from hitting his head on the poll, NO. When you take nets down off a tennis court the polls remain they are cement in the ground, can't pull them right up.
Posted by: AH Location: Temple on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Okay so the nets were down for some reason, but the little thing that was sticking out would of still been sticking out if the nets were there are not. Do you really think that the nets would of prevent him from hitting his head, NO!!! The polls are cement into the ground can't just pull them right up.
Posted by: Mark Location: marlin on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:41 PM
maybe if he were playing tennis instead of soccer he wouldnt be dead, tennis is a lot less contact.
Posted by: matias Location: ex-marlin on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:39 PM
The city has repeatedly tried locking those courts up to no avail. Multiple time i have seen with my own eyes people cutting the locks to get into play soccer, remember now these are tennis courts, and also ten steps from it is a field big enough for two soccer complexes, get a clue the city is not liable. It is the twenty five year old man who did not know a soccer field from a tennis court. He is liable not the city.
Posted by: sharon Location: hamilton on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:08 PM
I am so sorry the young man lost his life. But the city of Marlin is not at fault. We have to use some common sense every day. Maybe he was being a hot dog. Do not mean that derogatory. I should have said hustler.
Posted by: A Friend of His Location: Marlin on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Watch the video and it will tell you the soccer field was wet, so they decided to play on the city tennis court. A tennis court is not meant to be a soccer field. I do not hold the city responsible. They can help the family if they wish to do so...a very nice thing to do. But the city is not responsible for this young man's death. He knew the pole --with the protruding metal pin--was there..they all did..and chose to play there anyway, not thinking of something like this happening. Sadly, these young adults chose to not use common sense in this instance.
Posted by: Citizen Location: Marlin on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:55 PM
The city of Marlin SHOULD NOT be held responsible for someone else's ignorance-people need to start using their brains-Playing soccer on a tennis court is practically begging for an accident!!
Posted by: Myself Location: Bremond on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Those of you who know where the TENNIS courts are located, know that its just a TENNIS court, not a park. I think its the adults responsibility to pay attention. Noone told them to play soccer on TENNIS courts. Have you ever heard of play at your own risk or not responsible for accidents. It is not the City of Marlin's fault that they were PLAYING. It would be different if this was a work related accident.
Posted by: concerned Location: marlin on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:44 PM
there are too many stupid law suits now. there is no way the city is at fault here. if adults choose to play there or their children thats their choice. this was a tennis field. i feel sorry for the family, but the world needs to stop blaming things on everyone else.
Posted by: Supergirl Location: Robinson on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Maybe there wasn't a soccer field and the only place to play was on the tennis court? I don't know that the city should have to pay but something should definitely be done to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.
Posted by: mom Location: centex on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:30 PM
If you read the article it doesn't say he was killed by the pole but by a METAL PIN that holds the net in place that the city took down. They should have took the pin also He would be alive if that pin was removed when they removed the nets!!
Posted by: Meeeeeeeeee Location: cen tex on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:55 PM
"WHAT IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CHILD"~~ a child would know better! Why are people particularly adults no longer responsible for their own safety and using common sense? The city may have been neglectful in maintaining the park but with good judgment this "accident" was 100% preventable! Did anyone in the community care enough to report the hazard to the city? If so and no action was taken, why didnt the community come together to fix it themselves? Tax dollars only go so far these days! Maybe they could cut a police officer and use that salary to fix the park only to have it destroyed by vandals/thugs that wont get arrested because the force would then be short-handed! Its sad this guy lost his life but people are responsible for using good judgment and shouldnt sit around and wait for the government to fix everything! Proactive beats reactive every time!
Posted by: Debbie Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:44 PM
My heart goes out to the family, but this death is not due to the negligence of the City of Marlin which is actually the City of Marlin taxpayers. The tennis court was not designed to play soccer. This would have been different if they were playing a game of tennis and the pole was defective and fail on someone. There is no way all properties can be accident free. These appear to be adults who chose to meet and play there and it is there negligence that caused this freak accident.
Posted by: ME Location: Waco, TX on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Last time I checked it is still a public park and the city is responsible to keep it up. If your kid was out there playing and fell in a hole you would hold them responsible even though they were PLAYING tennis, right?
Posted by: Jennifer Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 12:46 PM
The City of Marlin is not totally at fault here. He was playing on a tennis court Not a soccer field. There is always some kind of risk no matter where you live, work or play. It was just a freak accident. It's tragic this young man lost his life.
Posted by: An Observer Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Too bad the guy is dead but why in the world should the city be held responsible for an accident caused by people purposely choosing to use a tennis court for something other than what it was intended? And I think they have the wrong city if they are thinking a big bucks lawsuit, looking at the problems Marlin has had in the past fwe years, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Regardless of what they where playing and on what court,somebody died in a result of the city leaving up poles that where no being used. I know those city workers are not so busy that they could have taken up the poles. What if kids were there playing tag or something else and the samething happend to them? Would there still be stupid comments left like "Isn't soccer played on grass" The family isn't asking for money so don't worry yourselves.
Posted by: me Location: copperas cove on Aug 26, 2008 at 11:09 AM
have you seen the "tennis courts" is there a place to play soccer at this "park" If the park is not maintained properly is it their responsibility. It is a city park and should be either utilized as such or closed down. No the city may not be responsible for this death but they could help the family out.
Posted by: Don't Agree Location: With Fault on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:28 AM
It is sad that this person lost his life. How can you say the City is at fault? If you decide to play football in the street is it the city's fault if you get run over?
Posted by: Linda Location: Central Texas on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Who would even think about playing socker on a tennis court. You play socker on a grass field. Sorry for the family but it is not the city's fault for people using something for which it is not built for.
Posted by: AH Location: Temple on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:11 AM
My heart goes out to the family, but the City of Marlin should not be responsible. Why are they playing soccer on a tennis court??
Posted by: Michelle Location: Central TX on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:03 AM
How sad. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man. The City of Marlin...you need to step up and take care of this family. Your neglect, cost him his life. Although not all the details have emerged, if the fault lies on the City, please step up and do the right thing...help this family with the utmost respect. Sounds like this could be very costly to the city.
Posted by: concerned2 Location: Ft. Hood on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:58 AM
What a tragic thing to happen. I know the family doesn't know me, but my thoughts are prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Posted by: i agree Location: with concerned on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:52 AM
marlin should pay for that
Posted by: T Location: WACO on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:38 AM
THE CITY OF MARLIN SHOULD HELP PAY FOR THE COST OF THE FUNERAL EXPENSES BECAUSE THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE SURE THE PARK WAS IN CONDUCT WHAT IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CHILD THEN WHAT I AM SORRY FOR THE FAMILY OF THIS YOUNG MAN THEY ARE IN MY PRAYERS
Posted by: Pg Location: Temple on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Well let me start with I feel really bad for the people involved and for his family. If I heard correctly on the news they were playing soccer on the tennis court. If that is the case I don't see where the city is at fault. It was there choice to play soccer on the court. It was NOT intended for soccer so in my eyes I don't see how the city is at blame for this.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I guess thats another lawsuit coming.
Posted by: Observer Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Something not right here..why are you playing soccer ON A TENNIS COURT? You play soccer on a field, a grassy field. Need more details about this.
Posted by: rose Location: hillsboro tx on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM
They need to have a meeting to help this family,with the memorial and worry on improveing the park,they should not have to raise money.the y are already have to deal with sorrow.
Posted by: stephanie Location: groesbeck on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I am sorry the young man lost his life but,whatever condition the old "tennis" courts were in is just that "tennis" court not a soccer field. It was a terrible accident that could have been avoided had they played soccer in a proper venue. I really get sick of people blaming others for accidents.
Posted by: Mona Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:50 AM
I also think that the city should pay for this poor guys costs. The parks are for you to go and play and be with family and if they are not going to keep them in good condition then they should pay for any cost or expenses that come up because of their neglect. What is this had been a child!!!
Posted by: Waco Resident Location: Waco on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:42 AM
My prayers go out to the family of the man who passed, but who's idea was it to play soccer on a tennis court? Find an open field or something!You can't really fault the City! They knew those poles were on the court, and they chose to play there. That court is not designed to play soccer on. Come on now folks...
Posted by: concerned Location: killeen on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:04 AM
The City of Marlin should volunteer to pay the costs involved. Pure neglect....
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