UB kicker Upton Bellenfant reprimanded by MAC for obscene gestures

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Upton Bellenfant's right foot lifted University at Buffalo to one of its biggest wins in team history. His fingers earned the UB placekicker admonishment from the Mid-American Conference.

The MAC issued a formal reprimand for unsportsmanlike conduct Monday because Bellenfant made obscene gestures with both of his hands while laying on the turf at Huskies Stadium in Dekalb, Illinois after making a 37-yard field goal in overtime to give the Bulls a 23-20 win against No. 23 Northern Illinois on Saturday.

"In our Conference, we expect all student-athletes to channel their emotions in appropriate ways," commissioner Jon Steinbrecher stated. "When those expectations fall short, it is important that we reinforce them."

Steinbrecher commended UB athletic director Mark Alnutt and coach Pete Lembo "for being proactive in addressing this matter and taking steps to uphold the values of sportsmanship."

Bellenfant, a sophomore from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in his first season with UB after transferring from Alabama, has made each of his five field goal attempts and all six point after tries in two games since taking over as the Bulls kicker.

The win was UB's second in 18 games against a ranked opponent, and first since beating No. 14 Ball State in the 2008 MAC championship.

The Bulls (3-1) play their final non-conference game Saturday at UConn.