Disclaimer: This article is published under the Charlatan’s satire section, the Partisan. All quotes have been fabricated.
A local mother bravely restrained herself from beating up an under-age umpire at a 12U softball game in Nepean on Friday, earning accolades from players and other parents for her restraint.
Karen Azzhoule, 46, said she disagreed with a safe call at home plate by 17-year-old Bay Bee in the fifth inning.
“This is serious. It’s not a game,” Azzhoule said. “We can’t have people screwing up my child’s chance at making it on a softball scholarship. It’s unacceptable.”
Azzhoule said while she did express her discontent with the call at the time it was made, she made sure to maintain her composure.
“The thought of challenging him to a fist fight in the parking lot did cross my mind,” Azzhoule said. “But I took the high road instead and just screamed expletives at him.”
Other parents who attended the game witnessed Azzhoule’s behaviour. Greg Hassle, 42, said he was impressed by Azzhoule’s restraint.
“She’s a regular at the games and the ump almost always ends up with a black eye,” Hassle said. “She deserves a medal for her bravery and professionalism. She didn’t even lay a finger on him today.”
Jenna Taft, the player who was called safe at home, expressed regret over the controversial play.
“Which call are you talking about?” Taft said after the game. “Yeah, that call could’ve gone either way. The parents are more invested than I am, to be honest. Can I just go home?”
When contacted for comment, the Nepean Department of Recreation—which administers the league and hires the umpires—said Azzhoule is a notorious parent and has caused problems at games before.
“In the past, our department has attempted to liaison with the city’s police department to remove Azzhoule from the premises of softball games,” department representative Hope Smith said in an email. “We’ve been told that Azzhoule has bribed the police department to stay at games.”
It is unclear if Azzhoule will face any disciplinary action as a result of previous misconduct.
Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi.
