[Note: this story has been modified since its original posting.]
U Police Chief Jack Watring was cleared of any wrongdoing Friday after MU officials wrapped up a nearly three-month investigation into charges that he assaulted a University of Kansas fan at a basketball game.
KU alumnus Chris Kaufman accused Watring of grabbing him by the collar and shoving him during a March 6 basketball game at Mizzou Arena.
Kaufman, 22, said he got into an argument with Watring, who was off-duty and out of uniform, after he tried to display a 6-foot banner that poked fun at Mizzou Arena over the balcony in front of Watring's seat.
"After reviewing all of the facts, we have concluded that Chief Watring acted within the bounds of his duty as a police officer," Jackie Jones, vice chancellor of administrative services, said in a news release. "Safety of all fans at the game is paramount at MU and was a motivating factor for the removal of the banner."
In an interview Friday morning, Kaufman said he was disappointed with MU's report.
"It's not the apology that I wanted," Kaufman said. "This incident didn't need to happen, especially since it was all over a silly sign."
Kaufman and three friends, Christian Green, Rich Littrell and Andrew Wymore, tried to hang a sign that featured various names for MU arenas crossed out above the line, "Call it what you want, it'll be always be Allen Fieldhouse East," referring to the name of KU's basketball arena.
In his complaint, Kaufman said an usher had given him permission to hang the sign as long as it was not blocking anyone's view.
In its report, MU officials acknowledged that it "failed to provide a clear policy regarding banners and signs in Mizzou Arena and adequate training related to such a policy."
In the news release, Jones said MU would develop a policy regarding signs and banners "without delay."
Watring, who is on vacation, released a statement Friday morning saying he has always strived to uphold the integrity of the MU Police Department.
"The action in this incident was based upon my knowledge of past problems at similar athletic events at Mizzou and my awareness of these types of confrontation among fans attending the game," he said. "I regret any misunderstanding that may have occurred as a result of this incident."