UF band director attacked after Miami game, school officials say

Jay Watkins suffers cuts in Orlando attack

ORLANDO – University of Florida band director Jay Watkins was attacked following the football team's win over Miami at Camping World Stadium on Saturday, according to UF's director of communications.

A female Miami fan tried to pass the band's line as it marched from the stadium to its bus, and after Watkins put his arm out to stop the fan, he was pushed to the pavement by the fan, according to the Orlando Police Department.

According to the Orlando police report, "the crowd was already unruly and the band was not adding to the delays" as it marched in formation toward the buses on South Rio Grande Avenue.

Police said the University of Miami fan attacked the band director after he tried to stop her from pushing her way through the marching band "battering several of the band members as she went."

When Watkins tried to stop the woman,"he was grabbed around the neck from behind and thrown to the ground," hitting his head on the pavement, according to the police report.

Watkins had cuts on his arms and a bump on his head but otherwise is OK and rode back to campus, UF officials said.

University of Florida Gators fans weren't happy to hear about the attack.

"It's really upsetting to hear something like that," said Nicolett Perdomo.

"He didn't deserve to get attacked like that. The man was just trying to do his job," said Juan Valbuena.  "It's a little grimy." 

No charges have been filed and no one is in custody as of Monday afternoon.

If you know anything about this incident, you're asked to call Orlando police. 

 


About the Author

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

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