Lake Of The Ozarks Umpire Who Allegedly Put Deputy In Chokehold Sues Sheriff's Office For $350k

MORGAN COUNTY, Mo. — An umpire who allegedly put a sheriff’s deputy in a chokehold after a heated exchange at a youth baseball game has now sued the sheriff’s office that arrested him, claiming upwards of $350,000 in damages.

The umpire, Neal Sidebottom, filed suit in Morgan County Circuit Court on April 25, 2025 against former Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms and Deputy Cole Downing. In the lawsuit, he claims Downing:

1. Violated Sidebottom’s 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

2. Acted with “implicit bias and without warrant” in arresting Sidebottom

3. Used excessive force and falsely imprisoned Sidebottom

4. Engaged in conduct unbecoming a deputy

Sidebottom is requesting a jury trial to settle the claim.

Sidebottom was arrested in May of 2023 after an altercation with a spectator led to law enforcement being called to the scene. The probable cause statement for the arrest explained the alleged encounter this way:

Deputy Downing walked to the field where Neal was located. Deputy Downing stated he made contact with Neal and began asking him about the incident.
Deputy Downing stated Neal refused to provide any information and continued to walk away from Deputy Downing. Deputy Downing gave multiple commands for Neal to stop walking away. Deputy Downing stated he grabbed Neal's left wrist to place him in double locking handcuffs, Neal pulled away from his grip, grabbed him by the upper vest and then swept Deputy Downing legs, causing him to fall on his back and Neal got on top of him. Deputy Downing stated a physical altercation ensued and nearly 15 bystanders got involve attempting to assist in getting Neal restrained.

Video taken by a bystander appears to show Sidebottom putting the deputy in a chokehold, while bystanders jumped to assist the deputy. Multiple witnesses later described Sidebottom as having put the deputy in a "choke hold," according to the document.

The probable cause document stated Deputy Downing was treated at Lake Regional Hospital for one fractured left side rib, multiple contusions on his right and left elbow, and contusions on his lower back and both knees.

Sidebottom was arrested and charged with Class A Felony of 1st Degree Assault - Special Victim with Serious Physical Injury, and the Class A Misdemeanor of Resisting Arrest.

He has pleaded not guilty to those charges. A jury trial scheduled for October of 2023 was cancelled after Sidebottom was granted a Change-of-Venue request to Moniteau County. A jury trial in Moniteau County is currently scheduled for October 2025.

Meanwhile, Sidebottom is seeking a payout from the county after he says the encounter left him physically and emotionally injured and also damaged his career as a Registered Nurse and College Umpire.

In the complaint filed in Morgan County court, Sidebottom claims Downing “selectively ignored key information that would have provided a clear understanding of the false 911 call. This ultimately resulted in the abuse suffered by thePlaintiff during an unjustified arrest and defamatory public news reports that have permanently damaged the Plaintiff's professional career as a Registered Nurse and a Division 2 college umpire.”

Sidebottom claims he “suffered injuries and damages including bruising to the face, arms, numerous lacerations, abrasions, and severe diagnosable emotional distress. In addition, the Plaintiff has suffered professional and financial damages exceeding $350,000.00 and counting.”

He is asking the court to award him for alleged damages and to also issue punitive damages.

Separately, Sidebottom sued Ballparks National alleging the venue owed him umpire fees. Judge Heather Miller found in favor of Sidebottom and ordered Ballparks National to pay him $200.

Following the 2023 incident, Ballparks National clarified it used an outside service to provide umpires (e.g. - umpires are not hired directly by the tournament complex) and that Sidebottom would no longer be allowed to umpire games at the facility. The GM at the time, Jeff Vernetti, said that of the more than 4,000 games that had been played at the new facility (which opened in 2020), this was the first incident of this nature.