A flag football championship game turned into a fight Tuesday night after Anthony Epps, a UK varsity basketball player and members of one of the teams, got upset with a referee over disputed calls in the game.
The football game for the Men's Independent A Division championship between the Suave House Team and the Blue Shark Team ended when Epps, a junior, allegedly punched Chris Weller, an intramural referee, after the two exchanged words over a play.
Geography junior Scott Medley, who was watching the game, said the dispute started when Weller threw a flag on a play against Epps' team for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Weller then called another penalty by throwing down his Pittsburgh Steelers hat, because he was out of flags, Medley said.
"Epps took the hat and dragged it across the field with his cleats," Medley said.
Medley said Weller came back down the field and asked Epps about his hat.
The two then allegedly exchanged words.
Epps grabbed Weller's shirt and then his neck, Medley said.
"Then (Epps) struck (Weller) on the left side of the cheek," University spokesman Ralph Derickson said.
Another referee called the Seaton Center from his walkie-talkie and UK Police arrived at the scene.
Weller filed an assault complaint with the UK Police Department, but indicated that he does not wish to prosecute.
The Blue Sharks were winning the game 6-0 when it was stopped, Derickson said.
David Stockham, dean of students, said his office has received the police report about the incident and will investigate.
UK Sports Information Director Brooks Downing would not comment on the incident but said, "sounds like your typical flag football game to me."