Gators’ softball coach Walton apologizes for heated dispute

A seemingly incidental bump during postgame handshakes turned into a verbal exchange Monday night between UF softball coach and Auburn shortstop

Video replay shows that following a 1-0 Gators’ home loss to the Tigers Walton had his right hand raised for a high-five when he passed Fagan. Fagan, however, did not raise her hand and as Walton reached her way, he brushed her right shoulder.

After Fagan passed Walton, she shoved him from behind and the two exchanged words before Walton continued to high-five her teammates.

According to the reports by the Associated Press, Fagan had to be restrained while screaming at Walton.

Walton released a statement that read: “I apologize to Haley. I just wanted to congratulate Auburn on the win — it was a good series. My intent was to give a highfive to each opposing player as we do after every game. Apparently her hand wasn’t up as I said ‘good game’ and I touched her shoulder. I should have paid closer attention and did not intend to upset her.”

Walton and Fagan’s family have history. Fagan’s older sisters, and

played for the Gators, but were among three players dismissed from the team prior to the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The two sisters transferred. USF safety has been dismissed from the football team after he was shot during a roadrage incident. USF coach

announced Tuesday the senior who previously played at Kissimmee Osceola High is no longer a member of the team. The 22-year-old had one more season of eligibility.

Tampa police said Childs was about a mile from the USF campus Saturday night when he twice pointed a gun at a car carrying a couple and their 3-year-old son. The man driving the car drew his own gun and fired three times. Childs was hospitalized with gunshot wounds but is expected to recover.

Childs was charged Monday with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of misdemeanor marijuana possession.