Kentucky lets go of usher who flipped his middle finger at Florida fans

The most controversial action during the Kentucky–Florida game this past Saturday occurred off the court, where a member of Kentucky’s Committee of 101 — essentially, volunteer ushers for UK football and basketball games — gave the middle finger to a group of rowdy Florida fans once the ‘Cats had the game in hand.

Check out this old fella flipping the bird:

Gotta love the Blue Coat Bird Flip to end the game pic.twitter.com/f4YzdNwEvf

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 5, 2023

Haha, what a move by the ol’ Blue Coat. Except the University of Kentucky wasn’t as big a fan of his vulgar gesture. On Monday morning following the Saturday night victory over the Gators, the committee member, named Doug, called in to Kentucky Sports Radio and said he was asked to leave the Committee of 101. KSR host Matt Jones reported that news to Twitter and is trying to start a campaign to get Doug back on the committee. Here was Matt’s tweet:

“Doug the Blue Coat called into KSR and said UK Athletics told the Committee to not allow him to be a Blue Coat anymore because he flipped the bird at the Florida game He said he has done the games for 19 years, loves the students and is sad. We need to help. #FreeDoug.”

Free Doug! And why not? Reports from Rupp Arena claimed that there was a group of rowdy Florida fans who were way out of control during the game and caused quite the disturbance. After securing the gratifying victory, Doug just let his emotions get the best of him and happened to be caught on camera. But is that really worth losing his position over?

After all, members of the Committee of 101 really are fans. My grandfather served in the committee for over a decade before he had to quit due to his older age and health issues. But it’s a fraternity of BBN elders who love the ‘Cats and wish to serve the fans. It’s so pure. They’re among the nicest folks you’ll ever meet and Kentucky fans won’t a bad word to say about the Committee of 101.

It’s a volunteer organization of older, mostly male Kentucky fans who represent the backbone of the fanbase. These are premium fans, if such a thing exists. Some of these guys have been working Kentucky football and basketball games (for free, mind you) since Joe B. Hall was the head coach. And UK is letting Doug go after 19 (FREE) years of service over one measly middle-finger-flip?

It just ain’t right. #FreeDoug.