Oklahoma youth baseball coach banned for life over dugout incident

Michael Ryals, a youth baseball coach from Welling, Oklahoma, has received a lifetime ban from the United States Specialty Sports Association after he allegedly instructed his son to throw a baseball into the opposing team's dugout following a 8-6 loss. The incident, which took place during a tournament for athletes under 12 over Memorial Day Weekend, gained attention after a video of the event went viral. Ryals claimed his son was verbally harassed by players from the opposing team, which contributed to the incident. In response to the situation, Ryals's son has also been given a five-year ban. The USSSA has not provided further comments given the involvement of minors, and members of Ryals's team have distanced themselves from him, expressing surprise at his actions.

• 6:46 PMYahoo Sports — Oklahoma Youth Baseball Coach Banned for Life for Allegedly Telling Pitcher to Throw at Opposing Dugout