An NIU men’s basketball player was arrested Saturday afternoon by University Police for allegedly battering an NIU food service employee.

Donnell Thomas, 21, a junior forward on the team, was with his friends when he allegedly argued with the Neptune Hall cafeteria employee “and a couple of punches were thrown,” UP Sgt. Richard Sheridan said.

“He was advised to leave by the cafeteria personnel,” but Thomas refused, Sheridan said.

The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. as the cafeteria was closing after lunch. The cafeteria closes at 1 p.m.

He was arrested at 2:20 p.m. and was later released on bail, police said.

Thomas could face up to a year in jail for the Class A misdemeanor, police said. Sheridan said he did not know if Thomas’ case would be processed through the criminal courts, NIU’s Judicial Office, or both.

A 6 foot 4 inch, second-team, all-independent conference player, Thomas led the team in scoring and rebounding for the 1989-90 season. Thomas is a graduate of Chicago’s Robeson High School and was a key player for this year’s 17-11 season.

Cafeteria administrators and Thomas refused to comment. Head basketball coach Jim Molinari was not available for comment.

Thomas is scheduled to appear in court May 25.