Ohio man caught on video attacking softball umpire arrested 13 months later

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A softball player who was filmed punching an umpire at Berliner Park has been arrested nearly 13 months after being charged with assault.

On Wednesday, Columbus police arrested Gregory Roudabush, 39, who was caught on video assaulting a referee April 19 during an adult championship game. A little more than four weeks later, an investigation by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Columbus Police led to charges of first-degree assault and fourth-degree disorderly conduct.

The arbitrator, Wiley Butler, and his attorney John Graceffo spoke with NBC4 and said they intend to take legal action.

Butler told NBC4 he asked Roudabush to move a little and explained why. The player then became verbally abusive. After putting up with some of this behavior, Butler said he kicked Roudabush out, which is when he was punched.

Roudabush, who received a lifetime ban from future leagues, was arrested Wednesday, and on Friday Roudabush pleaded not guilty in Franklin County Municipal Court. A judge issued him a $25,000 bond and granted a temporary protection order for the victim.

This is not the first time Roudabush has faced criminal charges.

In 2004, he pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and served 60 days in jail. Domestic violence and assault charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

In 2014, he was charged with felonious assault, kidnapping and two counts of domestic violence. Those charges were dismissed in Common Pleas Court when the victim refused to cooperate six months after the legal proceedings began.

Most recently, in 2017, Roudabush pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and was sentenced to six months in prison.