NJ Umpire 'Viciously' Assaulted By Coach At Kids Baseball Game Awarded $650K

BRANCHBURG, NJ — A 72-year-old veteran New Jersey umpire was awarded $650,000 in his lawsuit against a coach for punching him in the face and breaking his jaw during a Little League game in Branchburg in 2022.

"Our focus has to be the kids. We need to ensure that youth sports remain a place for them to learn and grow in a safe environment. I hope this verdict will prevent any future events from occurring," said Umpire James Neely of Middlesex.

On Wednesday, Neely was awarded a $650,000 verdict following a two-day trial in Middlesex County against former Little League assistant coach Jerry Otero.

The verdict comprised of an award of $500,000 in compensatory damages and $150,000 in punitive damages, and is believed to be the largest such verdict in New Jersey history, according to Neely’s attorney, Andrew L. O’Connor, of Nagel Rice in Roseland.

"People's behavior at youth travel sports has become completely out of control. This verdict sends a strong message that this type of outrageous conduct will not be allowed at youth sporting events," said O'Connor.

The lawsuit stemmed from an assault on June 4, 2022 when Neely was umpiring a 13U Little League baseball travel tournament in Branchburg.

During the game, Otero believed that a balk call was missed and proceeded to spend several innings harassing, cursing, and using "extensive profanity" in front of the 13-year-old players at umpire Neely, according to the lawsuit.

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 the face in front of the players of two Little League baseball teams, and their parents and spectators, according to the suit.

Neely suffered a concussion and multiple fractures to his jaw, which required that his jaw be wired shut.

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.

After a guilty plea to third-degree aggravated assault and fourth-degree simple assault at a youth sporting event, he was sentenced on March 24, 2023, to 5 years probation and anger management counseling, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Previous reporting:

• Coach 'Sucker Punches' Umpire, Fractures Jaw In Branchburg: USABL
• NJ Umpire Sues Coach For Punching, Breaking Jaw At Kids Baseball Game: Lawsuit
• Coach Charged After Breaking Umpire's Jaw In Branchburg: Officials

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