Minor-League Fight Leads To Civil Action

A minor-league pitcher seriously injured in a bench-clearing brawl has filed an assault charge against another pitcher who kicked him in the face.

Glen Cullop, whose jaw was broken in the May 22 melee between the Winston-Salem Warthogs and Durham Bulls of the Carolina League, filed the misdemeanor charge against Earl Nelson last week.

The charge, assault inflicting serious injury, carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine.

Cullop, who plays for Winston-Salem, said he also was considering other legal action against Nelson, the Bulls and their parent club, the Atlanta Braves.

“We’re definitely keeping all doors open,” Cullop told The News & Observer of Raleigh from his home in Johnson City, Tenn., where he is recovering. “What he did, I don’t feel like that belongs in the game of baseball, or anywhere on the streets for that matter.”

Nelson was fined $300 and suspended for six games by the Class A Carolina League and was released by the Braves on May 31 for his involvement in the fight. He could not be reached for comment.

Authorities probably would not make an arrest because Nelson has left the state, according to the newspaper.

Atlanta and Durham club officials would not comment.

Videotape of the fight showed Nelson kicked Cullop under the chin. Cullop remained motionless on the ground for several minutes, unconscious.

Cullop, 23, said he received a letter of apology from Nelson but didn’t think it was sincere. Cullop hopes to start playing baseball again by late next month.

Ten players were ejected following the brawl on “Strike Out Domestic Violence” night at Bulls Athletic Park. Officials later handed out the highest amount of fines in league history.