Boston University College of Communication sophomore Charles Geyer is expected to be summoned to court for tackling Boston College’s mascot, the BC Eagle, between the second and third periods of Monday’s Beanpot Championship Game at the TD Bank North Garden.
According to the Boston Police Department’s Tuesday crime log, Geyer hopped the rink railing, ran onto the playing area and approached Baldwin the Eagle. He then “threw it to the ice.”
BPD Spokesman, Sgt. Tom Sexton said Geyer identified himself to the BPD as a 20-year-old male and a Boston University student. However, Geyer was not arrested by the police for his actions.
“They are going to summon him in for disturbing a public assembly,” Sexton said
Geyer said he had cleared the matter up with the BC Eagle.
“I spoke with Baldwin, the mascot, yesterday, and there are no hard feelings,” he said. “We are actually friends on Facebook.”
BU spokesman Colin Riley said the incident does not help the good relationship the mascots of both schools have with each other.
“There’s nothing funny about it,” he said. “These are individuals who are there to help with the school spirit, and certainly that game was an example of a really good relationship between the two mascots until that unfortunate incident.”
Riley said the tackling of the mascot does not reflect well on BU, and it certainly does not say anything positive about the university.
“I think the individual certainly owes an apology to the BC Eagle, and also to the Boston College university and community,” he said.
In previous incidents involving fan interference with members of sports teams, fans have been punished with probation and jail time.
A son and father jumped over the railing at Comiskey Park in Chicago and attacked a coach from the Kansas City Royals two years ago. The son was punished with probation and community service and the father was charged with aggravated assault and mob action. Since this incident, many sporting arenas have increased security and punishment for rowdy fans.
According to TD Bank North Garden spokeswoman Courtney McIlhenny, stadium security handled the situation like it would at any event.
McIlhenny said whether this type of incident happens at a Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics or any other event at the Garden, security turns the matter over to the BPD.
“It was the only negative part of watching a truly outstanding Beanpot game,” Riley said.