Two high school softball coaches separated by deputies after confrontation at softball game
Bystanders at the game said it was a normal game until around the fifth inning when some of the calls were getting close, leading to more fans speaking out from the stands, and the coaches from both schools also getting into the game more intensely.
When the game ended both teams shook hands. The head coach for Martin County High School and the head coach for John Paul II Catholic School shook hands for an extended period and exchanged words. After they stopped shaking hands, more words were exchanged across the field as they began to move apart. Then, video shows the head coach for Martin County approaching the JP II coach while still exchanging comments. As Martin County's coach gets close to the JP II area, deputies begin holding him back and separating him.
In the video you can hear a loud reaction and comments from fans on both sides. Martin County's head coach can be seen spinning out of the deputies' hands trying to get by but ultimately being restrained and returning back to his team's area.
WNCT spoke with parents and fans from both teams about the incident from Monday night. Parents and fans from Martin County declined an on-air interview but gave statements saying that the negative comments were also coming from the JP II side throughout the game.
A parent of one JP II softball player agreed to speak on-air about the situation.
'I think where I draw the line with the event is when adults are doing this in front of and at children. We're all grown adults we should have that compassion and that understanding not to do that in front of and at children,' Eddie, a parent of one of the JP II softball players said.
Martin County School's released a statement today regarding the situation:
'We deeply regret Coach Lilley's emotion-filled response to profane and derogatory comments by the coaches of the opposing team made directly to and regarding our high school student athletes. However, we are deeply disappointed the video circulated by the opposing team only shows a portion of what transpired.'
Martin County Sheriff's Office also releasing a statement today regarding their investigation of the incident:
'During the incident, there was a heated exchange of words between Coach Donell Albritton (John Paul II Catholic School) and Coach Bob Lilley (Martin County High School). Deputies separated the coaches and provided an escort for the visiting team and coaches to their bus. This incident was witnessed by Martin County Sheriff's Office Deputies and a subsequent investigation was conducted. At the conclusion of the investigation, it was found that no North Carolina General Statutes were violated and that no criminal charges were warranted.'
'I think the bigger piece is accountability. Just making sure that everyone is held accountable and everyone holds themselves accountable. Let cooler heads prevail and make sure that we allow these girls, and even boys in other sports, to really enjoy the sport versus having to deal with events like this,' Eddie said.
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