Memphis removes Ball from program after postgame incident

Dec 31, 2015 - 3:19 AM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) Memphis has removed Reggis Ball from its program after the senior defensive back wrestled a ball from an Auburn equipment staffer at the Birmingham Bowl.

A video posted on Facebook showed Ball getting up with the ball while shoving another man back to the ground following Auburn's 31-10 victory. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior sprinted toward the locker room, making a gesture toward the stands with his left hand.

Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen apologized to Auburn and the fans for what he called ''totally unacceptable'' behavior from Ball. He said university President M. David Rudd, incoming head coach Mike Norvell and interim coach Darrell Dickey supported the decision.

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

Ball had two interceptions in the game and returned one of them 53 yards for a touchdown before his postgame antics.

''We're embarrassed about the actions that occurred after the game and that is definitely not the standards or expectations the Memphis football program stands for,'' said Norvell, who was at the game. ''Even though Mr. Ball's football career has ended, he will no longer be a part of the Memphis program because of these actions.''