Here's a video primer on what actually happened at the UC Davis pepper-spraying controversy, in case you don't already know or you need a refresher: So, despite knowing the protesters were obstructing the arrest of a small number of people, despite knowing the protesters were warned repeatedly that they would be pepper sprayed if they did not clear a path. despite the fact that the UC Davis officer acted within the guidelines of the department, UC Davis has decided to throw Lt. John Pike under the bus.