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Sea Lion Kicker Pleads Guilty Under Marine Protection Act

8/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty on July 22 for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act by kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove.
He admitted one contact, chased the animal, and said he approached to “box” as fighter Max Holloway.
Muehl faces one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, sentencing Oct. 20 2026; NOAA’s Eric Morgan called the strike illegal and dangerous, and Mayor Todd Gloria called it disgusting.

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Story summary

Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty on July 22 for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act by kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove.
He admitted one contact, chased the animal, and said he approached to “box” as fighter Max Holloway.
Muehl faces one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, sentencing Oct. 20 2026; NOAA’s Eric Morgan called the strike illegal and dangerous, and Mayor Todd Gloria called it disgusting.