GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — A Grand Forks parent who was arrested at the Babe Ruth State Tournament in Wahpeton says he regrets his behavior but that the incident is being overblown.
Forty-four-year-old Michael Lizotte (lih-ZOT') faces a disorderly conduct charge after allegedly yelling profanities at an umpire and being ejected from the stands. Authorities say Lizotte was escorted from the premises by an off-duty sheriff's deputy, only to start yelling again after the game was over.
Lizotte says he "blew up" over a bad call, and acknowledges he was out of line. He says he tried to apologize to police officers the next day and that he plans to write a letter of apology to the umpires.
Lizotte disputes that he was ejected from the field. He says he left on his own. He also says the off-duty deputy identified himself as an officer but did not immediately show identification. Lizotte says if he had seen immediate proof he might have acted differently.
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