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A Mississippi sheriff’s deputy found himself without a job after an altercation with an umpire during a 14U baseball tournament spiraled out of control. The incident, which was caught on video, occurred in Starkville over the weekend and has since led to the deputy’s dismissal.
Sheriff Shank Phelps of the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Monday to OutKick that Lt. Darrell Holley was terminated as a direct result of the altercation. “He’s no longer employed,” Phelps stated, attributing the decision to the footage that surfaced. However, he refrained from detailing the specific reasons for the swift termination, simply affirming, “It is my decision.”
The Starkville Police Department reported that both Holley and umpire Jeff Akins were arrested and charged with fighting not in self-defense due to their involvement in the brawl. The incident has sparked discussions about conduct and professionalism, especially when off-duty law enforcement officers are involved in public altercations.
When pressed on why Holley was immediately fired, Phelps wouldn’t elaborate on why the decision came so quickly.
Holly and umpire Jeff Akins were both arrested and charged with fight not in self-defense for their roles, according to the Starkville Police Department.
The Dispatch reported that Holley’s son can be seen on the video punching the umpire in the back of the head. Akins’ family reports that he needed medical care at a hospital due to the fight.
A woman claiming to be the Mississippi umpire’s daughter took to social media to address the fight. “You done buddy WE WILL NOT BE SILENT THIS WILL NOT GO AWAY!” Vernecia Riley wrote on Facebook in comments aimed at Lt. Holley.
“Starkville stand up,” she pleaded.
Tournament officials released a statement on social media condemning the fight.
“Grand Slam Mississippi unequivocally condemns the events that took place during the Starkville tournament (Sunday, May 3). Youth sports are to be built on respect, integrity, and safety, and any actions that undermine those values are not acceptable,” Grand Slam Mississippi Tournament Director Mike Narmour said in a statement.
“Violence of any kind has no place in our organization and will not be tolerated. We are committed to addressing this matter appropriately and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for all participants.”
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, an ugly incident reportedly took place Saturday night at an 11U tournament where a coach, who had been ejected by the umpire, appeared to press forward into the umpire’s chest and it turned into punches being thrown and the umpire asking fans in the stands to “call 911.”
As for Holley, not only has he been fired from his job, he’s also been banned from future Grand Slam travel baseball events, Narmour told The Dispatch.