Please Pass The Eggnog, You Big Loser Two Florida Gators Given The Boot After Dinner-Table Scuffle Hurts One

Two University of Florida football players have been suspended from the team indefinitely for fighting - each other - at the team’s New Year’s Eve dinner Saturday night.

Sophomore reserve nickelbacker Darren Hambrick and junior backup defensive end Anthony Riggins got into a fight that resulted in Riggins being hospitalized with a severe cut. Reasons for the fight were not available.

It is believed that Riggins sustained a deep cut on his jaw after being struck with a glass.

Tulane University Hospital and Florida team officials declined to divulge the extent of the injury, which required surgery. Riggins, who was still registered at the hospital Sunday night, was unavailable for comment.

“Those players had scuffled some in the past, and this was sort of a major scuffle,” said Florida coach Steve Spurrier, noticeably disturbed by the incident and having to discuss it the day before tonight’s Sugar Bowl. “I didn’t see the scuffle. I was in a different area. This is an embarrassment for all of us. Our team understands this was an isolated incident.”

Hambrick was sent to Florida on the earliest flight available. As soon as Riggins is released from the hospital, he also will return to Florida.

Florida had already lost two players because of off-field problems. Guard Dean Golden has academic woes, and defensive end Cameron Davis was suspended for violating team policy.

The loss of Hambrick is somewhat significant because he spells starter Ben Hanks and plays on certain pass schemes. Riggins is seldom used.