A former umpire, Neal Sidebottom, is suing the Camden County Sheriff’s Office for $350,000 following an alleged chokehold incident with a deputy at a youth baseball game in Morgan County, Missouri. Sidebottom filed the lawsuit on April 25, 2025, against former Sheriff Tony Helms and Deputy Cole Downing, accusing the deputy of multiple legal violations during his arrest in May 2023.
Alleged Incident and Claims
The altercation began when Sidebottom was involved in a confrontation with a spectator at a youth baseball game, prompting law enforcement to be called. According to the arrest report, Deputy Downing approached Sidebottom to question him, but Sidebottom allegedly ignored commands and walked away. When Downing attempted to arrest him, Sidebottom reportedly pulled away, grabbed the deputy by the vest, and engaged in a physical struggle, culminating in a chokehold.
Witnesses later confirmed the chokehold, and bystanders rushed to assist the deputy. Downing sustained injuries, including a fractured rib and contusions. Sidebottom was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Assault and Resisting Arrest, charges he pleads not guilty to.
In the lawsuit, Sidebottom claims that Deputy Downing violated his 4th Amendment rights, used excessive force, and falsely imprisoned him. He also accuses the deputy of acting with bias and damaging his career. Sidebottom is seeking punitive damages for the physical, emotional, and professional harm he alleges he suffered.
Emotional and Professional Damage
In his complaint, Sidebottom states that the incident led to bruising, lacerations, and emotional distress. He also claims it significantly harmed his career as a Registered Nurse and Division 2 College Umpire. He argues that false 911 information played a key role in the unjustified arrest and damaging public reports.
In a separate legal matter, Sidebottom also sued Ballparks National, the venue where the incident occurred, for unpaid umpire fees. The court ruled in his favor, awarding him $200 in unpaid fees, though the venue clarified that umpires were provided by an outside service.
After the incident, Ballparks National decided to ban Sidebottom from umpiring at the facility, stating that this was the first such incident at the complex.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The jury trial for the charges against Sidebottom is set for October 2025 in Moniteau County, following a change of venue. The lawsuit against the sheriff’s office continues to unfold, with Sidebottom seeking financial compensation for his alleged injuries and career damage.
