At a Saturday evening softball game in McAllen, Texas, a female umpire was assaulted by a male coach after she called an obstruction on a play. Video taken of the incident shows the coach approach the umpire, have a verbal exchange, walk away and then come running back at the umpire before slamming into her with his chest, sending her to the ground.
According to Valley Central News, Joel Gonzalez was a coach with the Protect Our Nation Youth International Softball League. Gonzalez was ejected from the game by the umpire after he used foul language directed at her when disagreeing with the call. Rather than leaving the game peacefully, Gonzalez had to be separated from the female umpire by another game official. He was walked to the opposite side of the field before breaking away from the second umpire to push the woman to the ground.
At a Saturday evening softball game in McAllen, Texas, a female umpire was assaulted by a male coach after she called an obstruction on a play. Video taken of the incident shows the coach approach the umpire, have a verbal exchange, walk away and then come running back at the umpire before slamming into her with his chest, sending her to the ground.Â
According to Valley Central News, Joel Gonzalez was a coach with the Protect Our Nation Youth International Softball League. Gonzalez was ejected from the game by the umpire after he used foul language directed at her when disagreeing with the call. Rather than leaving the game peacefully, Gonzalez had to be separated from the female umpire by another game official. He was walked to the opposite side of the field before breaking away from the second umpire to push the woman to the ground.Â
Authorities were called to the field where Gonzalez was arrested and “charged with assault causing bodily injuries.”
The Protect Our Nation Youth International Softball League told Valley Central News that Gonzales “will never be allowed to coach on their fields again.”
“The safety and well-being of our community at Boys & Girls Club of McAllen (BGCM) is our highest priority,” said McAllen Boys & Girls Club CEO Dalinda-Gonzalez-Alcantar. “We take every situation that might impact the safety or well-being of individuals very seriously. We are aware of a physical altercation between adults at the Softball Complex during a sports tournament. At the time of the incident all protocols were followed and the situation was quickly de-escalated onsite and contained by law enforcement. While the individuals involved were not directly associated with BGCM, we unequivocally do not condone the alleged use of harmful words or actions on Club premises. Our organization will continue to provide the highest level of safety of all participants and attendees.”
