Video: UA football streaker bares down
While the University of Arizona football teamed fought their way to an impressive 48-12 win over UCLA on Thursday night, the most memorable part of the game for many was a "referee" who ran from the sideline, ripped off most of his clothing, and set off a brawl between the teams.
As the clock ticked down at the end of the first half, a young man dressed in an official's zebra stripes ran onto the field from the UA sideline, blowing a whistle. He attempted to grab the game ball, and then pulled off his shirt and pants as he ran toward the north end zone.
In the ensuing uproar, as officials and security chased the "streaker" — quote marks because he kept his red and white skivvies on — the two football teams scuffled, and several punches were thrown.
The young man, identified as UA student Jace M. Lankow, was arrested and charged with criminal impersonation, a class 6 felony, court records show. He faces a possible 18-month jail sentence, if he has no previous felony convictions.
The fight led to UA cornerback Shaquille Richardson and UCLA wideout Taylor Embree being ejected from the game. After reviewing videotape of the game, Pac-12 and the UA may suspend other players.
A.R.S. 13-2006
- 13-2006. Criminal impersonation; classification
- A. A person commits criminal impersonation by:
- 1. Assuming a false identity with the intent to defraud another; or
- 2. Pretending to be a representative of some person or organization with the intent to defraud; or
- 3. Pretending to be, or assuming a false identity of, an employee or a representative of some person or organization with the intent to induce another person to provide or allow access to property. This paragraph does not apply to peace officers in the performance of their duties.
- B. Criminal impersonation is a class 6 felony.
