Sports

Kentucky Fans Flip Cars and Set Couches Ablaze After Final Four Win

Ky. riot

Kentucky fans overturned cars and set couches on fire after Saturday's victory over Louisville in the NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament. (AP Photo/The Courier-Journal, Amy Wallot)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Riot police used pepper spray in small amounts for crowd control as thousands of rowdy fans swarmed into the streets near the University of Kentucky campus, overturning cars and lighting couches ablaze after a victory over cross-state rival Louisville in a Final Four matchup.

Police had been bracing for the possibility of post-game violence and resorted to pepper spray though large amounts weren’t needed before they ultimately began dispersing the throngs, Lexington police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said.

She said 150 officers deployed on the streets at one point to quell what she called “a very dangerous situation with the fires and the violence” that dragged on for hours.

“It’s a fairly difficult situation, but not anything we didn’t plan for,” Roberts told The Associated Press.

Lexington City spokeswoman Susan Straub said police made fewer than 10 arrests, and a few injuries were reported after the celebrations turned rowdy in the streets after the Wildcats’ 69-61 win in New Orleans.

Roberts subsequently told The Lexington Herald-Leader that by 1 a.m. there had been at least 13 arrests, including several people suspected of arson. The newspaper also reported police had to dodge flying beer bottles while taking fire extinguishers to put out dozens of fires involving sofas, trash and other debris set ablaze in the streets. There were no immediate reports of any serious injuries to police.

Many streets had already been blocked off around Kentucky’s Lexington campus earlier to make way for the crowds, but sirens blared and police shut down more streets when the blazes broke out. Twitter feeds reported police in riot gear moved in to disperse crowds as some people on the streets were overturning and vandalizing vehicles and others smashed glass bottles.

Straub said the crowds began to disperse by about 11 p.m., nearly three hours after the game ended. But she said at no point had things “gotten out of control.”

Roberts said a street sweeping machine was called in later at night to clean debris where crowds had departed. But authorities had no immediate report on the damages. “I think it would be hard to estimate (damages) at this point,” she added.

Kentucky Fans Flip Cars and Set Couches Ablaze After Final Four Win

Kentucky fans uproot a traffic sign on a street corner as they celebrate Kentucky's 69-61 win over Louisville in an NCAA Final Four semifinal college basketball tournament game. (AP)

Earlier in the week, Lexington‘s mayor and UK’s president had exhorted fans to respect property and neighbors. But the city and university were prepared for a fiery celebration after police reported at least a dozen couch fires last week after Kentucky’s win over Baylor to earn a Final Four berth.

“We’ve come at this with a significant show of force,” Straub said.

The raucous street scenes triggered a rebuke from UK spokesman Jay Blanton.

“It is unfortunate that a small number of people are using what should be a night of celebration as an excuse to attempt to tarnish the university and the community,” Blanton said in a statement. “To the extent that students are involved in any illegal activity or actions that violate the university’s student code, they will be dealt with appropriately.”

In New Orleans, Micah Fielden, Kentucky’s student body president, had earlier urged his fellow students in a tweet not to be destructive. “Let‘s be smart and act like we’ve been here before,” he wrote on his Twitter feed.

The celebration was controlled when it began as celebrating fans streamed out onto the streets. At stoplights, fans hanging out of their cars chanted “C-A-T-S” while police and firefighters watched from the sidelines before the fires were lit.

Things were more peaceful 70 miles away in Louisville, where heartbroken Cardinals fans gathered on a closed street near campus and chanted “C-A-R-D-S” while waving a school flag.

Louisville fans were divided over whether to root for their rival in Monday’s championship game against Kansas.

“Even though it’s a Kentucky team, I hope they lose,” said Michael Funke, who watched the game from a pizzeria just off campus.

Kentucky and Louisville fans took in the game from bars, restaurants and living rooms as their uneasy co-existence was challenged by the high stakes.

Saturday’s game culminated a week of buildup in the state, with many fans recalling the “Dream Game” between the teams in 1983.

That year, Louisville beat Kentucky in overtime in the NCAA Mideast Regional Finals. It was the teams’ first meeting since 1959. It took the governor to get the two schools together on an annual basis, and before Saturday the Wildcats were 18-11 since the annual game started in 1983-84.

Saturday’s game was the fifth time the schools had met in the NCAA tournament – the two sides having split the four previous meetings.

Kentucky won the earlier matchup this season, 69-62 on Dec. 31.

Comments (120)

1 2 3 4
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:38am

    Nice, just like the EU…I’d not encourage them. Children and adults raised without parents for 2 generations and we know look as kooky as the EU.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • OklahomaBound
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 4:04pm

      They need to make the University pay for the damage their students cause and also make them pay for the additional police presence as well.

      Report Post » OklahomaBound  
    • Belzar
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 4:51pm

      I will tell you one thing. They would never have done any of that in New Orleans. I have seen the NOPD in riot control during Mardi Gras. They will hit you first and ask questions later.

      Report Post »  
    • DesertDave54
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 6:14pm

      Well, look what happened after Rodney King.
      Those porch-monkeys pulled a truck driver out of his cab and beat his head in.
      Worse yet, the guy turned the other cheek.
      Sorry, I’m all out of the “turn the other cheek” sh1t!

      Report Post » DesertDave54  
    • Unix
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 7:42pm

      I’d sure NOT like to see when and if they lose…what have we come to, animals, all of them!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:12pm

      As a native of Kentucky, I’d like to apologize on behalf of these morons. Let me assure you they are the EXCEPTION, not the rule.
      I’m surprised Kentucky fans have sunk to this level.
      UK basketball is one of, if not THE, premier programs in America.
      Kentucky is one of the kindest and most conservative states on the nation.

      All I can say is, it is easier to pull others down to a lower level than it is to lift others up to your level.
      I do not recall ever hearing of this behavior before in Ky.
      That tells us the violent, rebellious, mal-behavior is spreading.
      This is a literal bacchanalia. Shameful.

      Go UK !! Go BIG BLUE !!!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Uranium Wedge
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:49pm

      A bunch of losers pretending they’re winners.

      Report Post » Uranium Wedge  
    • TAXEVERYONE
      Posted on April 2, 2012 at 8:34am

      We should be proud of the fine education our future leaders are receiving, not only there, but all across our great declining country.

      Report Post » TAXEVERYONE  
  • jungle J
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:35am

    thousands of rowdy fans swarmed into the streets near the University of Kentucky campus, overturning cars and lighting couches ablaze after a victory over cross-state rival Louisville in a Final Four matchup…..and the animals on public assistance in college continue to make taxpayers look stupid..

    Report Post »  
    • Reagan_Patriot
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:41am

      Hmmmm… if I were a democrat, I would fully insure a “antique” piece of junk and park it outside one of these events. Yeah… it’s insurance fraud… just like democrats. But if EVERYONE was forced to pay car insurance (or be fined) there would be no loss.

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:47am

      MTV indoctrinated three decades of heathen.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 11:45am

      Imagine if they lost. But they are true to the COLOUR BLUE.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:00pm

      This wasn’t a Sharpton march was it?

      Report Post »  
    • 000degrees
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:04pm

      celebrate we much…..

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 12:47pm

      Time to demand College and Universities establish some decorum of their students.
      Hold them responsible.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 6:04pm

      @ Mammy – no – it is time for PARENTS to demand and establish decorum with some good old fashioned home training

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:55pm

      @ kaydeebeau
      I occasionally visit College and Universities and have to say what has it come to when students come to class wearing their PJ’s and inappropriate clothing.

      Report Post »  
  • PA PATRIOT
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:35am

    Reminds me of Penn State
    The perp co-eds are going to be incarcerated

    Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:30am

    Gee Mom! Let’s take our brand new car to a basketball game – look’s like fun!

    Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:40am

      I hear the moms participated…children and parents without adult supervision no doubt!

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:22am

    “Kentucky and Louisville fans took in the game from bars, restaurants and living rooms as their uneasy co-existence was challenged by the high stakes.”

    IT IS A GAME!

    fools

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:21am

    They didn’t do anything but reach the finals….? What will happen if they lose to KU? There’s no awards for participation.

    Report Post » Apple Bite  
  • Ampleforth
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:20am

    Stay classy, Lexington.

    I’m a Kentuckian who is NOT a fan of UofK. No matter how much they pay for a national championship and how big their team wins by on Monday night, Kentucky fans are still LOSERS.

    Oh, I’m not a Louisville fan, either.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:19am

    Well, that’s disgusting. Tell me the university is going to discipline these “students” (?). Parents AND kids need counseling and need to be financially responsible for the destruction and cost of clean up. Oh, and put on probation forever….like EXPELLED. duh!

    Report Post »  
  • MikeNelson
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:18am

    Now, if I were president of the Univ. of Kentucky, I would expel all those arrested and give a year suspension to those identified in all the videos and photos.

    Report Post » MikeNelson  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:26am

      AMEN! Nice post.

      Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 2:46pm

      Good point MIKE
      BUT what happened to PENN STATE loony students protesting FOR COACH JOE?(who hid evidence of sexual child abuse)
      the answer is ZERO.
      Seems like ALOT of sporting events are getting violent. Football reigns supreme.
      sex drugs dogs rock n roll and sports
      SIGH.
      Dennis Rodman is now “broke” and cannot pay his multiple child support payments.
      OH BOO HOO
      double SIGH

      Report Post »  
  • ksagpilot
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:15am

    I‘m happy they weren’t Kansas University fans.

    Report Post » ksagpilot  
    • mjamby
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 1:19pm

      We’re a bit more sophisticated up here in Lawrence, Kansas & we’re going to “kick” some serious
      Wildcat tail in the final!! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!

      Report Post » mjamby  
  • hauschild
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:09am

    So much for parenting any longer, huh?

    Report Post »  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:14am

      keep it up………….you may have no sports program

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:05am

    Where is Van ? Where is Al ? Where is Bill ? Am sure they could be recruiting some future Occupiers from these ranks . Looks like just their type of “ concerned citizen ” to save America !

    Report Post »  
  • drago
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:05am

    And for you morons that are cheering this,you’re no better than the worthless slime that this article is about………

    Report Post »  
  • BashfulBob
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:03am

    I would hate to be the parent of one of these fans, that got arrested,,I would hope

    my child was going to college to be more than a common thug..

    Report Post »  
  • ianmc002
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:03am

    Go ahead fellow Americans. Sodomize your vast imaginations as our Republic falls right in front of your eyes.

    Report Post » ianmc002  
  • RIGHTHOOK
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:01am

    Not “fans” they are “students” and they are pathetic and disgraceful, misguided fools. They are paying for all the damage and destruction correct? Yeah sure they are…….
    Are they going to torch their beloved university if they win the NCAA tournament?

    Report Post » RIGHTHOOK  
  • BashfulBob
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:00am

    What a Blackeye for UK fans,also the University—-I think when you’re a winner,show some class..
    These so called fans,,are a disgrace….

    Report Post »  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 8:25pm

      IF they, Schools and NCAA alike, wanted to put an end to this kind of behavior they would simply make ANY school who students behaved like this forfiet the very next game. Of course the net-works wouldn’t sit still for that.. Like someone said during the last NCAA Conference re-shuffle– “there should only be two conferences in the NCAA,, The ESPN Conf. and the FoxSports Conf.

      Report Post » DonaldH  
  • Just in time
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:58am

    Sports fans proving how ignorant they are. They all need to be put in jail. So that they can reflect on what a scourge they are to society.

    Report Post »  
  • Hugh Williams
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:46am

    What have we become as a society and country? This is yet another example of the depth of moral decline and lack of self control our society has sunk to. How does any civilized person think it is OK to destroy property and set fires to celebrate a sports team victory? This is what happens with mob rule; too many people just go along with the group. If we as a country don’t find our moral compass soon our Republic is doomed.

    Report Post » Hugh Williams  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:51am

      Now, that’s down home celebrating, right there. A bunch of toothless hicks showing when your teeth go, so do your brains.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:44am

      They aren’t hicks…they are the next batch of useful idiots, just like the ones that go to the ivy league schools.

      The hicks are still in the Appalachian mountains, poor and starving. No one has helped them out…no one.

      Stop with the broad paint brush statements and implying that real poor people are doing this…

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • kmbr
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:43am

    Somethings gone wrong. Really, really wrong. We are devolving at exponential speed.

    Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:47am

      Not exponential…it took us about 40 years to get this way…no one but those who were herding knew the direction…and I blame the Media and the far left. They have brainwashed two generations…and now you see the fruits of their labor.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • poster
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:43am

    wow. what a surprise. can’t wait to hear how much police overtime cost for this. the tv network should pay the bill. they’re the one making millions off of these animals. and when i say “animals”, i say that will all due respect.

    Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:40am

    Ahh yesss…. Nothing says SPRING…. Like ..
    Mowing lawns ..Prepping gardens and….. “Riot Police”

    Report Post » sawbuck  
  • Jackie Rogers, Jr.
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:38am

    Now perhaps the rest of the nation will understand why we residents of the commonwealth insist on keeping a spare junker on the front lawn and an old couch on the porch.

    Report Post » Jackie Rogers, Jr.  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:27am

      Now that is funny!

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • Dalady
      Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:27am

      Laughing out loud, mind if I use this? I think my 70 yr. old uncle has every car he ever owned rusting away somewhere in the “holler.” Go ‘cats!

      Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:37am

    Idiots. Guess that means I’ll be rooting for KU.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • ireport uderide
    Posted on April 1, 2012 at 9:35am

    No problem. As long as it wasn’t my couch and car that were on fire…Wait a minute!

    That is my couch and car on fire and I think that’s my ex- girlfriend holding a match.

    lol, party on Kentucky

    Report Post » ireport uderide  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love