Little League Manager Assaults Female Player Dugout: Investigation Launched
Little League Manager Assaults Female Player Dugout: Investigation Launched
Youth sports incidents involving inappropriate conduct by coaches have drawn increased attention in recent years, particularly when they occur during high-profile tournaments.
The intersection of competitive pressure and child welfare creates complex situations that demand careful examination.
A recent incident during a Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament softball game between teams from Maine and Delaware has sparked widespread discussion about appropriate coaching behavior.
The confrontation between a coach and player was captured on live television, raising questions about conduct standards in youth athletics and the responsibility of adults in positions of authority over young athletes.
Woah
Watching ESPN and Little League Softball… I think I’d be losing my mind if I saw someone do this to my kidThoughts? pic.twitter.com/7ikS9H8zLr
— Chris Plank (@PlankShow) July 24, 2025
Little League Manager Apologizes After Warning
Camden Wyoming Little League manager Shani Benson issued an apology following her actions during the semifinal game of the Little League Softball Mid-Atlantic Region Tournament. The incident involved Benson interacting with a player in the dugout after what officials described as competitive frustration.
“During the semifinal game of the Little League Softball Mid-Atlantic Region Tournament, the Camden Wyoming Little League manager, Shani Benson, was shown on camera interacting with her daughter in the dugout following a moment of competitive frustration in an attempt to refocus her team,” a spokesperson said after the fact.
The manager in question has since apologized.
“Based on the review of broadcast footage, as well as a conversation with the team’s manager, the Little League International Tournament Committee, after review, has issued a warning to the manager who has acknowledged and apologized for her behavior,” the statement added.
ESPN cameras captured the dugout interaction, which drew attention from Little League officials. The player involved was Benson’s own daughter, according to team representatives.
Little League’s Response:
- Tournament Committee reviewed broadcast footage
- Conducted conversation with the team manager
- Issued official warning to Benson
- Manager acknowledged and apologized for conduct
A team spokesperson explained that Benson was attempting to refocus her team during a challenging moment in the game. The incident occurred while emotions ran high during tournament play.
Delaware’s team won the semifinal contest 3-1 but later fell to West Suburban Little League of Pennsylvania. This loss eliminated their chances of advancing to the Softball World Series.
The Little League International Tournament Committee maintains authority to discipline managers, coaches, and other participants who violate conduct standards during official games and events.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
