NIU football player Brett Tucker was arrested by DeKalb Police on charges of battery Saturday night after he was involved in a fistfight at McCabe’s.

The fight reportedly started on the dance floor of McCabe’s where Tucker, a junior starting cornerback for NIU, was seen fistfighting with Thomas P. Lee. The two were escorted out of the bar by the bouncers, and McCabe’s Manager Glenn Goering called the police.

“None of our employees saw who started it,” Goering said. “(The bouncers) just saw two people fighting, and then they carried them outside. I called the police and let them (police) decide who was at fault.”

Tucker said, “It all happened so fast,” and he did not believe it was his fault.

“It was definitely not my fault,” Tucker said. “It was a misunderstanding where he (Lee) thought I was trying to start something, and I thought he was trying to start something.

“I was provoked and pushed to a limit. It got to a point where I was defending myself and my pride. I don’t make a habit of going around and starting fights. It was an error of judgment, and sometimes your emotions take over,” he said

Tucker said he made several efforts to stop the fight, and at one point he told Lee that if it was going to continue, they should take the argument outside.

NIU head coach Jerry Pettibone said he had not heard the whole story, but disciplinary measures “certainly will” be carried through as necessary.

“Brett’s going to talk to me further (today),” Pettibone said, “and I’ll gather up all the information and decide what I’m going to do from there.”

Tucker said he understands Pettibone has to administer disciplinary measures as the coach deems necessary, and Tucker also said he would accept his punishment “with no regrets.”

“Anytime a situation like this happens (to a football player), it’s not a good situation,” Tucker said.

Tucker said he believes there is a good chance the charges might be dropped.

“I think the charges could be dropped because he (Lee) was underage,” Tucker said. “He had no business being in the bar anyway.”

Police reports say Lee suffered a cut to his upper lip. Lee was taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Tucker’s $100 bond was posted, and he was released from jail.