The USSSA Wood Grill Buffet/Everett Classic girls’ softball tournament in Benton, Ark., erupted into a physical altercation between a coach and an umpire, making the Father’s Day event one that families will never forget.
According to OutKick, a foul ball was called by the first base umpire at the top of the fourth inning of a game between the Arkansas Pride and Tulsa Elite. The head coach of the Pride approached the home plate umpire to complain about the call, and the two had a long conversation before the first base umpire then came face to face with the coach, shoving him and exchanging tense words.
In a video of the incident, the coach and umpire can be seen meeting on the diamond as athletes back away.
“Our team was immediately sent to the dugout and remained there until everything was resolved. At no time did we have players running around the field. Additionally, all of our parents remained on the sidelines except for one individual, who was assisting in preventing further escalation and attempting to separate those involved," the Tulsa Elite coaching staff said in a statement.
In a turn of events, the umpire was described by spectators as the instigating party in the altercation. Most altercations covered by AB find a coach, player or spectator at fault for these incidents.
Tulsa Elite forfeited the game and ended the tournament with a second-place standing; meanwhile, Arkansas Pride was awarded first place, despite the Pride coach inciting the physical altercation with the umpire.
"The Office of Arkansas USSSA Fastpitch takes this matter very seriously. We are unwavering in our priority to deliver world-class events that maintain a safe environment for all. We are currently conducting a thorough investigation of the incident. We will offer no further comment at this time," the organization said in a statement.
