Philadelphia Soul beats Portland in Arena League
Game is marred by Portlands Quincy Butler, who unintentionally throws his helmet into stands, striking a fan.
THE ARENA FOOTBALL League prides itself on fan interaction. But this is not what the league had in mind.
Following his ejection for a third-quarter fight on Saturday night, Portland defensive back Quincy Butler unintentionally threw his helmet into the Wells Fargo Center stands and hit an unidentified female spectator. It was unclear whether the woman was injured, though she did leave her seat shortly afterward.
Just moments before, Butler tangled up with Soul wide receiver Ryan McDaniel, who was blocking Butler downfield. The two rolled around and other players joined the melee. Butler and Soul wide receiver Malcolm Thomas were ejected.
Butler appeared to be throwing his helmet at the padded walls that ring the playing field. But his aim was off. The incident occurred with 1:15 remaining in the third quarter. ESPN3 has the replay.
"Obviously, this is not how we want to conduct ourselves," said Soul general manager Tom Goodhines. "Whether it's players on our team or not, we all want to be professional."
Butler is facing a heavy fine and likely some sort of suspension.
"We are in the process of reviewing the matter and will be able to comment further once that review is completed,'' commissioner Scott Butera said in a statement. "The AFL takes the safety of all those who attend our games very seriously and will continue striving for all our personnel to always keep the well-being of those around them in mind.''
The Soul beat Portland, 52-35, to improve to 6-0. Dan Raudabaugh had six touchdown passes and no interceptions. Shaun Kauleinamoku had seven catches and four of those touchdowns.
It's a short week for the Soul, which hosts Orlando (3-3) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.