Culture

Live Streamer Arrested At Texas A&M After Football Coaches Denied Locker Room Access

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iStockphoto / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Streamer "BenDaDonn" was arrested after a Texas A&M football game.


Live streamer and social media influencer ‘BenDaDonn’ was arrested in College Station after a Texas A&M football game. Hours earlier, he was also seen being denied locker room access by the coaching staff.

The arrest capped a forgettable night for the internet personality.

Benjamin Benius Beard, AKA BenDaDonn, was on the field for a matchup between the Aggies and Arkansas Razorbacks. The program highlighted his presence on the sidelines during the contest.

At halftime, he attempted to gain locker room access, claiming to be invited by players. Coaches wouldn’t allow it.

Texas A&M football coaches deny ‘BenDaDonn’ stream.

“BenDaDonn” is a comedian and streamer famous for interactions with entertainers and athletes. He has a massive online following with more than 350K YouTube subscribers and 632K followers on Twitch.

Below is some footage from his appearance in College Station on Saturday night. (Editor’s note: video contains strong language not suitable for all viewers.)

“BenDaDonn” documented his appearance at Texas A&M for his followers. At halftime, he tried to film from inside the locker room.

That attempt was denied. Coach Mike Elko would not allow access. The influencer was turned away but returned to the sidelines.

After the game, he was booked for evading arrest.

‘BenDaDonn’ arrested in College Station.

After the Aggies’ 34-7 win over Arkansas, “BenDaDonn” was seen being tased and cuffed outside a Texas bar. He was booked into the Brazos County Detention Center with a bond set at $7,000.

Here’s more from KBTX:

Police say an officer “deployed a less-lethal tool in an attempt to gain compliance” from Beard, who was attempting to get away.

Beard was arrested on a charge of Evading Arrest and was booked into the Brazos County Detention Center with bond set at $7,000.

Beard’s security guard, Kenny Carter, 29, of Lithonia, Georgia, was also arrested on a charge of Interference with Public Duties. His bond was set at $4,000.

Police say as the two were moved to a staging area to wait to be transported to jail, a large “entourage” crowded around officers before being told to move back several times.

Police released a statement on the arrest after the fact.

“Northgate is a great place to go and have a good time, especially after an Aggie football win,” the department said. “However, the dangers our officers face when dealing with overly intoxicated individuals, drivers, and patrons can quickly turn a good night into chaos.”

It also released a few recommendations for patrons to avoid a repeat occurrence.

  • When an officer tells you to get out of the roadway, get out of the roadway.
  • If your friend is being detained or arrested, do not interfere with the officers’ work.
  • The yellow tape that says “Police Line Do Not Cross” is not a suggestion.

It was not the only negative interaction with a social media personality Saturday night.

SalamiTheAggie ‘harassed’ by staffer.

Online personality “SalamiTheAggie” was also on the sidelines during the Texas A&M football game vs. Arkansas. He claims to have been harassed by a staff member during his stay.

An athletic department employee apparently told him he was not allowed to be on the field. She allegedly denied his request, personally.

When she saw him on the sidelines, “SalamiTheAggie” says he was confronted. It was a “demeaning” experience.

All in all, not a great day for streamers in College Station.