- Jacob Freeman gets into a fight with Florida A&M fans mid-game
- When a guard tries to intervene, Freeman punches him in the face
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
An Alabama State football player was arrested for punching a security guard during Saturday’s game against Florida A&M and has now been suspended indefinitely after video of the incident went viral.
That player, identified as Jacob Freeman, is initially seen in the footage getting into a fight with opponents in Tallahassee. But when a security guard approached Freeman in an apparent attempt to diffuse the situation, the junior wide receiver refused to back down.
The guard appeared to unsuccessfully push Freeman away from angry Florida A&M fans, before the Alabama State player shockingly punched him in the face.
Alabama State personnel rushed in to remove Freeman from the scene, as several players attempted to join the fray before being turned away. Meanwhile, the guard continued to point at Freeman in an attempt to identify his attacker to others while holding his sore mouth and jaw.
FAMU police arrested Freeman on Sunday and charged him with “battery causing bodily harm” before he was released, according to TMZ.
Police arrested Freeman and charged him with ‘battery causing bodily harm’
Freeman is seen addressing Florida A&M fans as the security guard tries to intervene
Alabama State University Athletic Director Dr. Jason Cable has since announced the player’s indefinite suspension, albeit without mentioning Freeman by name.
“We are aware of the incident that occurred last night following our game against Florida A&M University in Tallahassee involving an Alabama State University football student-athlete,” the statement to AL.com said.
“We do not condone the actions of the student-athlete, nor are the actions representative of the expectations of the athletic department and our university. There is zero tolerance for this type of behavior. The student-athlete has been suspended indefinitely from the football program, effective immediately.”
Alabama State head football coach Eddie Robinson Jr. has since addressed the incident during his weekly SWAC media conference.
The guard continues to hold his tongue as he points at Freeman
“The incident the boy had was unfortunate, and he was 100 percent at fault,” said Robinson Jr., who is not related to the late Grambling coach.
‘We can’t have that. It’s a poor representation of himself, the state of Alabama and the SWAC Conference. He understands that these types of incidents are a mistake, but you still have to suffer the consequences. That’s how life goes. He understands that and regrets it, but at the same time he has to go through the process of his actions.”
Freeman previously played at Georgia State, but transferred to ASU prior to this season.
Alabama State ultimately lost 23-10, falling to 1-2 on the season.