Shani Benson in the dugoutShani Benson in the dugout. (Photo via ESPN)
A Little League softball manager was caught putting her hands on one of her players during a recent game between Maine and Delaware.

The teams faced off against each other during the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament this Thursday and gave good accounts of themselves. Unfortunately, one moment from the contest went viral, which had nothing to do with the game itself.

Camden Wyoming manager Shani Benson appeared to assault one of her players in the dugout after the second inning, and it was caught on the ESPN broadcast.

The player looked to be quite animated, remonstrating with a hand in the air. Benson responded by putting a finger to her mouth in a shush motion and pushing her backward.

The broadcast booth got quiet as the camera quickly cut away, but viewers saw everything they needed to see.

“Woah. Watching ESPN and Little League Softball… I think I’d be losing my mind if I saw someone do this to my kid. Thoughts?” an X user captioned the video shown below.

 

Little League Manager Apologizes After Warning

Camden-Wyoming softball team (Photo via Imagn Images)
Fortunately for Benson, the player in question is her daughter.

“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 noted in an email.

She has since apologized for her behavior following a warning from the Little League office.

“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.

As for the game, Delaware went on to win 3-1. However, they have lost to West Suburban Little League of Pennsylvania, missing out on an opportunity to earn a spot in the Softball World Series.