The UNLV Rebels took down the Nevada Wolf Pack 33-30 in overtime on a walk-off touchdown on Saturday in Reno.
.@kenyonoblad calls GAME! The signal caller hits Jenkins for the 2nd time for a TD … this 1 goes for 19 yards to beat UNR, 30-27, in OVERTIME! The Fremont Cannon stays 🔴! #KEPTITRED #BEaREBEL #UNLVFB pic.twitter.com/gPDJYMtlcH
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) November 30, 2019
But the bigger story came right after the game-ending touchdown, when things escalated quickly between these two rivals and a brawl broke out into the back of the end zone at Mackay Stadium.
Nevada fans got involved as well, with snowballs, beers, and other items being thrown at UNLV players. Additionally, a Nevada fan ripped the helmet off a UNLV player. Here’s how it looked on the TV broadcast:
HUGE FIGHT breaks out in the end zone as UNLV beats UNR in OT 33-30 😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/bANRgQeNMm
— . (@PalomaVillicana) November 30, 2019
A camera angle taken from the end zone shows Nevada defensive back Austin Arnold throwing a sucker punch at UNLV quarterback Kenyon Oblad, and the brawl followed (NSFW language):
Best video I’ve seen of the fight. Appears Nevada’s Austin Arnold threw the first punch (a punch from behind on UNLV’s quarterback). Kenyon Obland might have said something to spark it, but that punch led to the brawl.
https://t.co/U88JMYIabH— Chris Murray (@ByChrisMurray) December 1, 2019
Here's the sucker punch from Austin Arnold on Kenyon Oblad that started the fight in a gif. pic.twitter.com/n1E4IDVjWt
— Tyler Bischoff (@Bischoff_Tyler) December 1, 2019
Here’s another video taken within the on-field chaos:
So, it would seem that this Nevada pregame tweet was ignored by many of their fans:
Make today's game great by being a first class fan!#BattleBorn // #NevadaGrit pic.twitter.com/Wh1a88I21v
— Nevada Football (@NevadaFootball) November 30, 2019
Nevada and UNLV have released a joint statement:
Nevada-UNLV joint statement. pic.twitter.com/I1Jt76Q3fR
— Chris Murray (@ByChrisMurray) December 1, 2019
“The events that occurred following today’s football game have no place in college athletics and we are deeply disappointed by this incident, which detracts from what was a hard-fought and emotional football game between our state’s only two NCAA programs.
We are examining all available video from the incident and working with the Mountain West office in a full review. Additionally, we are working with the University of Nevada, Reno Police Department to review the actions on the field and in the stands after the game.
Rivalry games are at the heart of what should be great about intercollegiate athletics. We will continue to prioritize sportsmanship at all of our events, especially those between our two great institutions.”
