Dad's Bad Sportsmanship Lands Him in Jail

By Prescott Carlson in News on Jan 7, 2009 10:40PM

Anyone who has been involved with youth sports will tell you that when a problem arises, 9 times out of 10, it's not a kid that's causing trouble, it's a parent. From doing their own coaching on the sidelines, to yelling at refs, coaches, bystanders, and even other children on the field, we've witnessed enough parents behaving badly at youth sporting events that we've taken a solemn vow not to ever engage in such asshattery at one of our kids' games. But some people never learn, and one Hanover Park dad's lack of control at his daughter's softball game has earned him some time in DuPage County Jail.

Michael Beck, upset over a call, started threatening and swearing at the umpire. He apparently went so nuts that the DuPage County sheriff was called in and when the deputy arrived, Beck twice spit saliva and sunflower seeds at the deputy who then proceeded to charge him with felony aggravated battery. (Are we the only ones that didn't know it was a felony to spit on a cop?) Fortunately Beck managed to plea down to misdemeanor battery and assault, avoiding a possible seven year prison sentence and will instead only have to spend 5 nights behind bars. And not as in a figure of speech, but literally 5 nights -- Beck will be let out during the day to go to work. He'll also have to complete 40 hours of community service, and send "I'm sorry" notes to both the umpire and the deputy.

Mugshot courtesy DuPage County Sheriff, via Daily Herald