Coach accused of hitting student athlete over ‘six-seven’ joke, warrant states

NORWICH, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - A teacher and head wrestling coach was accused of assaulting a student, causing head trauma and a concussion, over a “six-seven” joke, according to an arrest warrant.

Steven Nelson, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Connecticut, was placed on administrative leave at the end of December 2025.

Previous coverage: NFA wrestling coach placed on leave after alleged assault, students defend coach

The arrest warrant stated he thought one of the students was not working hard enough on a stationary bike and allegedly told the student to increase his speed to between 60 and 70 revolutions.

The student, according to the warrant, then said, “Coach, six-seven.” The phrase is often used by Gen Alpha as a nonsensical meme, often appearing on social media sites. It’s also a reference to the song “Doot Doot (6 7)” by Skrilla.

That’s when Nelson allegedly hit the student in the face, causing head trauma and a concussion, according to the warrant.

Nelson, on the other hand, said that he was not trying to hit the student, but get him to refocus with a tap or pat—something other students were said to have mentioned.

He was charged with third-degree assault and one count of risk of injury to a child. Nelson was scheduled to appear in court next on May 26.