[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SMEngmann

As a coach and an umpire, here's my take on the situation. The coach was completely in the wrong for contacting the umpire from behind as he did, and it was that action alone that led to all subsequent action. When the umpire turned around, the coach got right in his face, nose to nose, the umpire made a move toward the coach's face with his mask to create separation, and the coach reacted to that by shoving the mask back.

I don't blame the coach for reacting defensively to the mask, but the only reason that happened was because the coach chose to contact the umpire from behind and then get in his grill. I think everyone involved was lucky that there was not a fight. Punishment wise, I think the coach was right to resign, I think he should be done for this season and maybe be required to attend anger management before returning to coach.

As I've said once or twice, there are coaches who umpire and umpires who coach. You sound very much like an umpire who coaches.

Good call.