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UCF player accused of punching deputy

ORLANDO, Fla., March 19 (UPI) -- University of Central Florida wide receiver J.J. Worton was arrested after allegedly punching a sheriff's deputy in Orlando, authorities said.

Worton, 20, was charged with felony resisting arrest with violence and felony battery on a peace officer after an incident that began early Sunday during a St. Patrick's Day block party outside an Orlando bar.

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Worton, who was released after posting undisclosed bond Sunday, had cursed at a deputy and refused his orders to leave the area of the block party, Orange County jail records say.

Authorities say a sheriff's deputy reported putting his hands on Worton's arm and that Worton had resisted and swung his fist at the officer, who eluded a punch.

Worton then ran through a parking lot and was found hiding under a vehicle, deputies said. When deputies tried to put handcuffs on him, he physically resisted and when a deputy grabbed him by the waistband, the officer said Worton "punched me in the face with a closed fist."

Deputies reported they forced Worton to the ground and used pepper spray to subdue him.

Worton was expected to start for the Knights in the coming season.

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UCF Coach George O'Leary said in a statement, "When I collect all of the facts and know exactly what took place, we will deal with this situation in an appropriate manner."

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