Little League fight ends in charge dropped, fine paid

Charles Davidson, one of two men involved in the July Little League fight that was videotaped and became national news, had his disorderly conduct charge dropped Thursday in Columbus Recorder's Court.

The other man involved in the fight, 36-year-old Iram King, paid his fine prior to Thursday. He did not appear in court.

Columbus Police Officer David Podger, a Northern Little League parent, testified about the scuffle between Davidson, 38, and King. Podger was sitting next to Davidson during the game between Northern and Harris County at Britt David Park.

In a report on the dispute, police said Davidson was playing loud music near the right field fence after Northern won the game. That's when a woman identified as Rose King and Iram King came over. She demanded that Davidson turn down the music, the report stated.

Podger said the Kings walked more than 100 feet to reach Davidson. Reports state Davidson asked Iram King what he wanted, to which King replied: "I'm here to f... you up."

Davidson's reply was, "Well, here I am."

Podger said he got between Davidson and the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Iram King and identified himself as a police officer. Iram King then pushed him.

"It knocked me backwards," Podger said. "I believe he pushed me out of the way to get to Mr. Davidson."

King and Davidson then fought, and several people jumped in to separate the men, police said.

Arguing Thursday for Davidson, defense attorney Stacey Jackson emphasized King's height and weight, noting he was bigger than Podger and Davidson. His client never became aggressive, Jackson said, and had the right to stand his ground and defend himself.

Jackson, who's been a coach and board member at Northern, asked Judge Mary Buckner to dismiss the charge.

"There was a fight at a ball field," Buckner said. "It did cause a disturbance in the presence of children."

However, Buckner added that it appeared King was the primary aggressor, based on Podger's testimony. She then dismissed the charge.

After the hearing, Davidson said he wouldn't do anything differently, pointing out that music is played at all the games.

"I don't know why I should do anything different," he added. "That's what I teach my child -- stand your ground. I'm really just glad everyone knows the truth now."

This story was originally published August 16, 2012 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Little League fight ends in charge dropped, fine paid."