A Jacksonville man was hospitalized and another man arrested after a fight before Saturday’s Georgia-Florida game.

The Florida Times Union reported that James King Colby, 20, was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery and remains jailed on $250,000 bond. The injured man, William Ross Cesery III, was taken to a Jacksonville hospital after he was knocked unconscious in the melee outside Everbank Field, the newspaper reported.

It was not clear what led to the fight, but police said Colby punched Cesery several times and the two men fell into a retention pond. When Colby realized Cesery was unconscious, he pulled him from the water, according to the arrest report.

Police initially described Cesery’s injuries as life-threatening, but he was later released from the hospital.

Violence is not uncommon at the bitter rivalry game.

In 2005 a Florida student was beaten to death after the game. Three men were convicted in connection with the death.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia Southern accepted a berth to the Birmingham Bowl, but it is still awaiting an opponent. According to reports, no one has accepted an invitation yet. (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com