Police investigating fight between 2 University of Maryland football players on practice field

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland police are investigating a fight between two football players on the football field at Tuesday's practice, officials say.

According to police, an athletics employee reported to an officer at the practice facility about the fight at around 6:15 p.m.

Police say both players became involved in a verbal argument that turned into a physical altercation.

One of the players was treated by the athletics staff for his injuries while the other player also suffered minor injuries, but did not want to be treated, according to police.

There is surveillance cameras in the area that captured video of the incident, officials say.

The altercation happened on the first day former Terrapins head coach DJ Durkin returned to the practice field after being reinstated by the university. Durkin was fired the following day after heavy outcry by the campus community and elected officials.

According to reports, the fight happened between starting punter Wade Lees and backup punter Matthew Barber.

Barber, who was reportedly one of the players who spoke out against the culture of the football program to investigators, told the Baltimore Sun he was assaulted by a teammate who supported Durkin.

However, Lees denied on Twitter that the fight was about their former head coach.

"The reports about the altercation between me and Matt Barber are far from the truth," Lees posted. "There are many inaccuracies in the away he portrays that day. Additionally, the altercation had nothing to do with Coach Durkin's reinstatement. I have never tried to force my opinions on someone else. I have over 100 teammates that can back me on that."

Several Maryland players also supported Lees claims on Twitter.

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