St. Thomas math professor Douglas Dokken punched the Goldy Gopher mascot in the face two times Saturday during a University of Minnesota men’s gymnastics meet and was cited for disorderly conduct.
He has also been banned from the University of Minnesota’s Sports Pavilion and Williams Arena for a year, according to Jim Winterer, news service director.
Dokken, who received his doctorate from the U of M, has taught math at St. Thomas for 26 years, and is a longtime fan of U of M athletics, Winterer said in an official statement.
“At the meet on March 5, Dokken said he was attempting to watch the competition when the Gopher mascot sat behind him and over the course of several minutes did things to tease or annoy Dokken,” Winterer said.
After that, Dokken punched the mascot in the face twice. The mascot’s mask was damaged but there have been no reports that the student was injured.
Winterer said Dokken deeply regrets the incident and is sorry. He quoted Dokken as saying, “I should have just walked out of there.” Winterer said Dokken was relieved to hear the student inside the costume was not harmed.
**if** Dokken warned Goldy his physical contact was unwelcome,
he
had
every right to belt Goldy. He should consider suing the U.