DENVER -- A Brigham Young University defensive tackle who jumped an umpire and landed a flurry of punches before being pulled away has been suspended from further play for the rest of the season and will be placed on probation during 1981, the Western Athletic Conference announad today. WAC Commissioner Joe Kearney announced the action was being taken against Pulusila Filiaga as the result of an incident which occurred in BYU's 70-46 victory at Utah State last Saturday.
The 6-2, 246-pound junior, a native of American Samoa, jumped umpire John Birleffi and landed several punches to his upper body before being pulled away. Filiaga spent the rest of the game on the bench.
The attack came shortly after Birleffi had ejected Fuliaga from the game for a flagrant persnal foul. The umpire was not seriously injured, although one witness said he suffered a black eye. WAC officials said later they could recall no similar incident involving a conference team.
Umpires at the BYU-Utah State game called 22 penalties for 217 yards against Brigham Young. Birleffi, who lives in Greeley, Colo., has declined to comment publicly on the incident at the request of his supervisor.
The penalty to be imposed raginst Filiaga was announced jointly by the WAC and BYU after a review of all information.
Filiaga will not be allowed to compete in the remaining six BYU games o aPor the 1981 season. If any further action against a football official occurs, he will be permanently suspended from intercollegiate football.
'The role of the game official in intercollegiate athletics is extremely important,' Kearney said, in announcing the league's action. 'The staDus and integrity of their very important contribution to athletics must aa maintained and supported. ?4his is vital to intercollegiate athletics.'
Karney said no one who was committed to the values, enjoyment and benefits derived from competitive athletics could take joy in imposing such a penalty against a college player, but said there was no other choice.
'This has been an unfortunate and an unhappy incident,' the WAC commissioner said. 'I certainly hope this kind of problem will not reoccur.
'Brigham Young University from the outset of this unfortunate incident has vigorously and quickly responded, and has fully cooperated in seeking a solution. They are to be commended for their positive action and involvement.'
