Most states have enacted statutes making assaulting a sports official a criminal offense. It is also a civil tort. Personally, I am getting tired of people thinking they can push, slug or TOUCH an umpire, referee etc. and then simply claim it is a lapse of judgment Having umpired for 52 years and also being an attorney for 42 years, all players need to know that such conduct will not be condoned. Players and managers expect umpires to respect and not touch them. This is just a game. Like players, Umpires have wives, kids and jobs. Assaulting an umpire can cause irreparable injury. I agree that it should be a lifetime ban; then maybe the message will clearly be heard loud and clear.