Memphis football player Reggis Ball tackles opposition coach and steals game ball

A GAME of football has been overshadowed by a shocking attack that could become a criminal matter — and all because of a bizarre ritual.

Shocking brawl over stolen ball

UNIVERSITY of Memphis cornerback Reggis Ball has been immediately kicked off his team over a shocking attack captured on video.

The senior in his final year of College started a brawl while trying to steal a game ball following his team’s 31-10 loss to Auburn University in the Birmingham Bowl on Thursday AEDT.

Ball reportedly attempts to steal a football from his opposition after every game.

This time he got caught.

The Tigers No. 39 became involved in a sideline brawl with a member of the Auburn equipment staff as they fought over a game ball.

It is unclear who started the physical altercation with differing reports over who tackled who first.

However, all reports of the incident indicate Ball snatched a football out of the hands of the Auburn official before they ended up scrapping for it on the ground.

A video of the incident was posted by a spectator at the game.

After successfully snatching the football, Ball runs away and witnesses have reported he flipped opposition players the bird as he ran into the locker room.

Memphis football player just walked over to Auburn's sideline and stole their footballs and was tackled by a manager. Can't make this up.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 30, 2015

Memphis player runs past me carrying what I'm guessing was a game ball. Auburn tried to get back. player runs away while giving the finger.

— Dana Sulonen (@DanaSulonen) December 30, 2015

Memphis interim coach Darrell Dickey said he did not see the incident after the game.

“As I was coming out I was hearing of bits and pieces of what happened and they’re in the dressing room right now trying to sort out,” Dickey said after the game.

“So we will certainly look into what went on, what happened and get the facts squared away.

“That’s not us and if in fact somebody on our team did something like that then we’ll certainly address it. But I don’t have all the information with me at this time.”

The school later issued a statement to declare Ball had been dismissed immediately from the team and would not be involved in any further football department activities.

The University of Memphis athletic department’s statement regarding today’s post-game actions. pic.twitter.com/c3F7LqcD8L

— MemphisTigerNetwork (@TigersMedia) December 30, 2015

“I want to personally apologise to Jay Jacobs, Gus Malzahn, the Auburn football team, its fans and the Birmingham Bowl for the highly-inappropriate actions of one of my student-athletes regarding a game ball at the end of Wednesday’s game,” Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen said in a statement.

“This player’s actions are totally unacceptable. He has been immediately removed from the team and we will continue to move swiftly in addressing what occurred.

“I consulted with University of Memphis President M. David Rudd and have spoken to both incoming head coach Mike Norvell and interim head coach Darrell Dickey and they completely support my decision.”

Birmingham police department chief A.C. Roper, who was sent the video of the incident, told AL.com the Auburn equipment manager has not filed a police report.

“He may decide to allow the school to handle it,” Roper told AL.com, “but the legal system can be utilised if he chooses.”

Ball finished the match with two interceptions, including a 50-yard interception touchdown run.

It was his last game as a University player.

Originally published as Memphis football player Reggis Ball tackles opposition coach and steals game ball