Jan. 1, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida tackle Kenyatta Walker and Michigan State defensive end Hubert Thompson were ejected after a third-quarter Citrus Bowl fight following a 39-yard touchdown pass that gave the Gators the lead.

	T O P   N E W S

On the play, Florida quarterback Doug Johnson tossed a short slant pass that Travis Taylor turned into a score with three seconds remaining in the quarter.

Before the play ended, however, Johnson started running toward Thompson. Walker ran over to protect his quarterback. He and Thompson scuffled and both benches emptied.

Although two players were ejected, Saturday's third-quarter fight didn't get out of hand.(Allsport)

Florida coach Steve Spurrier and Michigan State coach Bobby Williams met at midfield, talked briefly, then began sending their respective players to the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Michigan State defensive back Amp Campbell, who had gotten tangled with one of the officials while trying to make the tackle on Taylor, remained down on the sideline near the goal line. He later got up and went to the bench.

On the ensuing kickoff, Michigan State's Little John Flowers was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.

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