STERLING, Mass. —

A Sterling family is taking legal action against Wachusett Youth Football and Cheer Inc. after their son with autism was kicked off the team.

The league has no tryouts, and all are usually included. The Berkowitzes believe their children are being treated differently.

"They were devastated, absolutely crushed," Jeff Berkowitz said.

His 10-year-old son, Kodiak, and 10-year-old twin stepsons, Micah and Liam, are now banned from Wachusett's youth football program because Micah allegedly threatened to "gouge out eyeballs" of other players, according to the family's lawsuit.

"Go see if this young, 10-year-old boy is actually going to go gouge somebody's eyeballs out. One, he's 10. Two, he's autistic. Three, you know, did he mean it? Is it a true threat?" said Peter Farrel

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