UCLA baseball assistant coach David Berg parted ways with the school several months ago after an investigation by the university concluded “by the weight of the evidence … that Berg slapped a student-athlete” last October.

As a result of the investigation, which was conducted while he was on paid leave, Berg was suspended for one month, given a $10,000 pay cut (the equivalent of two months’ salary) and given a seven-game suspension in February. He was also required to take violence prevention training, according to redacted documents reviewed by The Times.

Prior to joining the coaching staff, Berg helped the Bruins win the 2013 College World Series while being considered one of the most dominant closers in the history of the college game.

A spokesman for the UCLA athletic department would not comment on the nature of Berg’s departure. He was replaced late last month by Griffin Barnes, the team’s former director of baseball operations and director of player development.

“We can confirm that a thorough campus investigation was conducted prior to the start of last season,” the spokesperson said. “Disciplinary action was taken and campus protocols were followed. While the individual is no longer employed by UCLA Athletics, this remains a personnel matter and therefore we will not be commenting further.”

UCLA coach John Savage did not respond to a telephone message from The Times, and Berg could not be reached for comment.

Berg was promoted to assistant coach in August 2023 after five years in a variety of roles including undergraduate assistant coach, director of baseball operations and volunteer assistant coach.

Berg was placed on paid leave on Nov. 2 after a person contacted UCLA athletic officials saying he received a call from the parent of a player who alleged that Berg “slapped a child on the field.”

Berg told investigators that the contact occurred during a recruiting dinner attended by current players and coaches at El Cholo restaurant in Santa Monica, according to 81 pages of documents reviewed by The Times.

Berg asked the actor to switch seats at dinner and sit next to Savage so Berg could sit next to a rookie, but the actor did not want to comply. After dinner, as the valet was returning the cars, Berg said he saw the actor complaining about having to sit next to Savage and “shaking his head.” Berg said he gave the actor a “non-violent” “double slap on the cheek” and that it was “inappropriate but not physically aggressive.”

According to investigation documents, nearly all of the five witnesses interviewed said the actor was “at least surprised,” while some described him as “emotionally distraught” or nearly so upset that he was reduced to tears.

Berg told investigators that he eventually texted the actor and apologized to him in person, then called his family to tell them the incident was “meant to be a joke” but “it looked worse than it was.”

Savage told investigators that Berg’s alleged actions were “completely inappropriate.” Savage said he told Berg “there was no such thing as a playful slap. I don’t know what you did, but you can’t do that again.”

Savage also said he has known Berg since his time with the Bruins and has “never experienced anything like this” regarding Berg’s behavior. Furthermore, Savage told the investigator, “We never laid a finger on any player.”

The only Bruin player to be selected to the All-Pac-12 Conference four times, Berg was UCLA’s closer when they won the national championship in 2013. He played in all 10 postseason games, made six saves and pitched the final inning of the Bruins’ College World Series-winning victory over Mississippi State.

After being selected in the sixth round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft by the Chicago Cubs, Berg recorded a 4.63 ERA in three minor league seasons and reached Triple-A Iowa in 2017.

UCLA finished the 2024 season with a 19-33 record and a 9-21 record in conference play, tying for last place in the Pac-12 with Washington State.