Mississippi Sheriff's Deputy Fired Over Fight with Umpire at Youth Baseball Tournament

A Mississippi sheriff's deputy lost his badge and his job after a video captured him in a physical fight with an umpire at a weekend 14U baseball tournament in Starkville.

Oktibbeha County Sheriff Shank Phelps told OutKick on Monday that Lt. Darrell Holley had been terminated over the incident. "He's no longer employed," Phelps said, adding that the video prompted the firing. "It is my decision, yes," Phelps said. Asked why Holley was fired immediately, Phelps declined to elaborate.

Starkville police arrested both Holley and umpire Jeff Akins and charged them with fighting not in self-defense.

The Dispatch reported that video showed Holley's son punching the umpire in the back of the head. Akins' family said he required hospital treatment after the fight.

A woman who identified herself as the umpire's daughter posted on Facebook about the incident. "You done buddy WE WILL NOT BE SILENT THIS WILL NOT GO AWAY!" Vernecia Riley wrote in comments directed at Holley. "Starkville stand up," she added.

Tournament officials issued a statement on social media. "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. 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," said Grand Slam Mississippi Tournament Director Mike Narmour.

Holley has been banned from future Grand Slam travel baseball events, Narmour told The Dispatch.