Connors refused to obey an order to leave an area near the entrance of the Thunderdome at the University of California Santa Barbara, CNN reported. He was released after booking, an employee at the county jail said.

Connors lives near Santa Barbara and has been known to attend basketball games there. Santa Barbara lost Friday night to North Carolina 84-67.

At the height of his career, Connors was the top male player in the world for five years. He won eight Grand Slam titles between 1974 and 1983.

He was also known for his temper, including on-court tantrums.