UConn chef: I forgive teen for mac-and-cheese tirade but...

STORRS, Conn. -- A food service worker involved in a confrontation with a drunken University of Connecticut student who was demanding jalapeno-bacon macaroni and cheese is offering forgiveness.

The Daily Campus student newspaper on Thursday published a letter from Union Street Market chef Bill McKay.

McKay writes that he accepts Luke Gatti's apology but still believes the 19-year-old should be expelled.

"I feel there are more deserving students living in state who would not squander the chance like he has," McKay writes. "But furthermore, based on his behavior last week and last year at UMass, I don't feel he is ready for college."

McKay is shown on video tackling Gatti after the freshman from Bayville, New York, berated and shoved a manager inside the student union Oct. 4.

In his letter, McKay suggests that Gatti join the military, saying it "teaches responsibility and discipline."

The chef says it's time for the public to stop beating up on Gatti, who is due in court Nov. 3 on charges of breach of peace and criminal trespass.

Gatti has said he's ashamed of his behavior.

"When I watched the video a few days later, I couldn't even believe that was me in it," Gatti said in a video posted to his YouTube channel.

Gatti said in the video that his big mouth has always gotten him in trouble.

"I got some problems that I am addressing," he said. "This was seriously a wake-up call."