Thrown out of a game for stealing a phone

Today I was covering a softball game. During the game one of the administrators was looking for his phone.

He called it, He pinged it. Couldn’t find it. A few innings in, another administrator asked me to check my right pocket. His phone was there. The guy told me to leave.

I guess I mistook it for my phone but I didn’t notice the pinging. Sometimes that happens with my own phone. I tried to explain that, that it was an honest mistake and they just didn’t have it.

I explained myself to the editor, who has known me for a long time and he believes me.

I guess I can understand why they thought I stole a phone but I didn’t.

Does it sound like I really did intend to steal the guy’s phone and I’m lying?

 

Honestly, yes.

So did you have 2 phones on you and didn't realize it? If not, where was your phone?

The fact that they were calling and pinging that phone, and you didn't realize it, as it was in your pocket, is pretty damning.

 

I was not aware I had his phone and did not hear the pinging.

 

So you had 2 phones on you?

Was his phone ringing/buzzing/vibrating when they were calling it?

 

I'm not saying I don't believe you, but if I was the guy searching for his lost phone and it ended up in your pocket, I would definitely think you stole it.

 

You are the saddest of sad sacks.

 

I apologized He refused to accept. I did not steal anything. I made an honest mistake.

 

I didn’t notice. I had my phone and didn’t even know his was in my pocket until the guy asked me about it. Sometimes I don’t even hear my own phone.

 

I believe you. It’s not a big deal.

 

It probably doesn't look good that you noticed them searching for, pinging and calling the phone but didn't bother to help look and/or check to see if you have grabbed it by accident. I would probably be suspicious of you as well even though the thought that you'd steal a phone and stick around for several innings seems a little outlandish on their part.

If this wasn't some neutral-site playoff game at a venue you'll never visit again, I am sure that everyone will laugh about this later. If the administrator/school is still giving you grief, get your editor or a coach at that school who can vouch for you involved. It is high school softball, for Pete's sake. It does nobody any good to burn bridges over a misunderstanding.

 

I saw a few other phones on the counter and asked the guy if they were his. He said they weren’t.

I was kind of focused on the game and that’s why I didn’t notice anything.

They don’t know me, so I guess it’s understandable. My editor has my back. I’m not going to lose any work. I’m even getting paid for this game.

The guy who threw me out owes me an apology.

 

You made a dumb ass mistake, which seems to happen to you frequently. Be more aware of your surroundings and actions in general.