NJ Umpire Sues Coach For Punching, Breaking Jaw At Kids Baseball Game: Lawsuit

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A 72-year-old veteran New Jersey umpire has filed a lawsuit against a coach for punching him in the face and breaking his jaw during a little league game in Branchburg, according to the suit.

The lawsuit filed by the umpire James Neely of Middlesex is against the coach Jerry Otero, 40, of Staten Island, along with his little league team the New York Prospects from Staten Island, the President of the team Frank Cambria, and 10 parents of players on the New York Prospects.

"What happened here is completely unacceptable. People have lost focus. This is for the kids to learn and enjoy the sport and be in a safe environment. These types of actions are completely, completely unacceptable. We will fight for justice of the umpire and make sure it never happens again," said Andrew L. O'Connor of Nagel Rice who is representing Neely.

On June 4, Neely was umpiring a 13U little league baseball travel tournament in Branchburg when Otero began verbally harassing him using "extensive profanity" in front of 13-year-olds, according to the lawsuit.

• Read More: Coach 'Sucker Punches' Umpire, Fractures Jaw In Branchburg: USABL

Otero's "conduct in verbally harassing and cursing at an umpire at a little league game was completely inappropriate and unacceptable, and against the rules and standards," according to the suit.

As a result of Otero's conduct, Neely ejected Otero from the little league game. Otero then approached Neely, and "without warning or justification," hit Neely in front of the players of two little league baseball teams, and their parents and spectators, according to the suit.

As a result, Neely suffered (among other injuries) multiple fractures to his jaw and a concussion. Neely is currently home with his jaw wired shut.

Neely can't eat solid food for 6 months to a year and will need additional surgery for the fracture in his jaw. He is also recovering from the concussion, said O'Connor.

"He is hopeful to get out there sometime soon but he is unsure if or when he will be able to umpire again," said O'Connor of Neely.

Since the alleged attack, Otero, 40, of Staten Island was charged with third-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree assault by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

• Read More: Coach Charged After Breaking Umpire's Jaw In Branchburg: Officials

The lawsuit also alleges that 10 parents, whose identities are unknown, "verbally encouraged and/or fostered" the assault.

"These parties, through their actions and inactions, created an environment wherein such an assault was permitted (and in fact encouraged) to take place," according to the lawsuit.

After Neely was hit, the lawsuit alleges the parents continued their verbal harassment, including taunting Neely and that he "got what he deserved."

"As a direct and proximate result of the intentional and negligent conduct of the Defendants John Does 1-10, Plaintiff sustained severe and permanent injuries, including but not limited to pain, suffering, emotional and psychological trauma and humiliation," according to the suit.

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