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UNA fan arrested during homecoming game

A fan was arrested for disorderly conduct during Saturday's homecoming game at UNA.  The fan says he was just cheering, but authorities say he was not following rules.

Kenny Perking, of Jasper, AL, said, "I had 3 seconds to sit down and shut up or I was going to jail."  Those were the instructions from The University of North Alabama Police to Perkins.  He was arrested during the second quarter of the homecoming game.

Perkins said, "(The UNA Police) grabbed me by the wrists, spun me around, handcuffed me, and led me out like a common criminal."

Perkins and 5 of his family members went to the game.  Blake Perkins, son of Kenny, said, "We were taken out in the 2nd quarter, that is the most of a UNA game I have ever missed in my life."

Perkins says they were simply standing up and cheering for the Lions.  Then other spectators started to complain.  Perkins said, "There was a gentlemen behind us that wanted us to sit down."

A press release from UNA stated: "The University of North Alabama Police made an arrest at the Nov. 3 UNA football game after repeated warnings to a spectator.  The spectator's disorderly conduct had led to complaints from other fans, and he had refused to cooperate when asked to leave the reserved-seating area of the stadium, for which he held no tickets.  The university police took every measure to resolve the issues without incident.  Arrest for disorderly conduct was made after repeated warnings and in keeping with standard procedure of the university."

Perkins did say he was asked to move.  He said, "I can't go and sit up in the corner like a naughty child."

He is now having second thoughts, if he can't stand and cheer, he might not return.  Perkins said, "If I have to say goodbye after 40 years, I will."

The UNA press release concluded: "The University of North Alabama is proud of its strong fan base and encourage its fans to show their team spirit energetically at every game.  The university also encourages a game environment of orderly conduct and respect for other fans."