Jun 30, 2009 10:00 pm US/Eastern
Little League Rage: N.J. Game Ends With Headbutt
Substitute Coach Allegedly Attacks Other Coach After Teams Shake Hands; Parents Furious
WESTFIELD, N.J. (CBS) ―
New Jersey police said Tuesday a man attacked the coach of a youth baseball team after a recent game in Westfield.
Both teams were shaking hands at the end of the game when Andrew Hoffman, 47, allegedly headbutted and punched the other man, reports CBS station WCBS-TV in New York City.
Westfield Police Capt. Cliff Auchter said he feels bad for the kids who had to witness the attack.
"The sad part is that this occurred in front of a group of young people who are very impressionable," Auchter told CBS 2 HD.
Hoffman was substitute coaching a game for the Berkeley Heights Police Athletics League. It's unknown what provoked the alleged attack, but parents and players said there is no excuse for that kind of behavior.
Westfield resident Charlotte Abruzzo said it's an absolute shame.
"How ridiculous," Abruzzo said. "Why are parents so foolish?"
Westfield High School baseball team captain Max Fusaro said it's just flat out wrong.
"I just think it's getting out of control," Fusaro said. "You're supposed to be congratulating the other team and doing something like that is uncalled for."
Parent Janie Allen agreed.
"I am outraged and glad my kids are out of competitive sports," Allen told CBS 2 HD.
The PAL released this statement: "The PAL has suspended the father involved in this incident from attending any Berkeley Heights PAL-sponsored event either as a parent or a coach."
Hoffman turned himself into police the next day and was charged with aggravated assault.
The charge against Hoffman was elevated to a fourth-degree offense because the incident occurred in front of children under the age of 16.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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