Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Berkeley Little League Coach Arrested On Assault Charges Suspended Indefinitely, Barred From Complex

Coach Thomas Murphy charged with striking a juvenile umpire at a game Wednesday night

The Berkeley Little League coach arrested for striking a juvenile umpire has been suspended indefinitely until the league's board of directors can hold a formal hearing.

"The Manager of the Major League Mets has been removed from his position, suspended indefinitely, and is banned from all Berkeley Little League functions until he appears before our executive board for a formal hearing," League President Robert J. Everett Jr. said late last night, after an emergency meeting.

"We recognize that due to the legal ramifications of this incident, it may be some time before there is a final disposition of this issue," he said.  "However, considering the seriousness of this offense, we feel this immediate action is prudent and appropriate."

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Everett suspended Thomas Murphy of Bayville from coaching activities shortly after the Wednesday night game at the Moorage Avenue Little League complex.

"This situation will be dealt with quickly and appropriately," Everett said on the League's Facebook page. "Please understand that there are procedures we must adhere to and our board has final decision on this matter. I am sure the action will be harsh for the coach and made in the best interests of our children and league."

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Officer Michael O'Connor arrested Murphy, 43, Yaffa Drive, at his home after the game. He was charged with simple assault and assault at a sporting event in the presence of children under 16 years old, Detective Sgt. James J. Smith said.

"The 17-year-old was a umpire who made a call that the coach did not agree with," Smith said. "The umpire ejected the coach from the game. As the two were walking away, the coach smacked him on the ear."

The incident took place in front of 12-year-olds at the Mets versus Dodgers game, Smith said.

Everett called Murphy's actions "inexcusable."

"I can assure you that for as long as I am president this person will NEVER be appointed again, in case there was any doubt," he said. Not only is this an isolated incident that will NOT be tolerated, it will be dealt with quickly and appropriately."

Everett has called for a mandatory meeting at 8 a.m. Saturday morning for all coaches at the league complex.

The Berkeley Little League is one of more than 1,700 teams, leagues and youth sports organizations around the country that partner with Positive Coaching Alliance - formed at Stanford University in 1998. The PCA champions an approach to youth sports that aims to foster success through a positive atmosphere.

"It is also incredibly frustrating for us, considering the amount of formal training and emphasis we put on proper behavior and leadership by our entire organization," Everett said. "We long ago recognized the surge in terrible behavior at youth sporting events and proactively instituted mandatory training for ALL coaches and every family."


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