Postgame Brawl Leads Michigan State to Suspend Four Players
The Michigan State Spartans have moved to suspend four of their own players after an ugly brawl following their 7-29 defeat to the Michigan Wolverines in scenes that their head coach Jim Harbaugh has stated amounted to assault.
The defeat for the Spartans, their fifth in six matches, became somewhat irrelevant after the altercation that followed the game, one that is sure to lead to further penalties and punishments for all concerned.
Indeed this may well impact upon the NCAAF betting lines going forward, depending on how the Spartans are penalized for the events that unfolded following their loss to the Wolverines.
Harbaugh was incensed at the way his players were attacked in the tunnel, stating;
“What happened in the tunnel was egregious,”
“Sickening to watch the videos that are on social media as well as the ABC telecam, which is on a higher elevation that shows much more of what took place. Those are sickening to watch.”
“There needs to be accountability,"
"There needs to be a full, thorough, timely investigation. I can’t imagine this will not result in criminal charges. The videos are bad. It's clear what transpired. It's very open and shut. As they say, watch the tape.” Harbaugh added.
Two players were assaulted, with reports of a nasal injury and a broken nose.
Michigan Stadium is unfortunate to have just one tunnel, and this has led to similar, but less brutal, scenes occurring after games. In an earlier game this season, an incident involving Penn State players led their coach to suggest an adjustment was needed to avoid future confrontations.
It seems that such planning may be brought forward after this latest horrific clash.
One potential solution would involve the two teams just staggering their exits to avoid the kind of scenes that were witnessed following the Spartans' loss to the Wolverines.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker also made his feelings known after the incident;
“As Spartans, our program has a responsibility to uphold the highest level of sportsmanship,”
“While emotions were very high at the conclusion of our rivalry game at Michigan Stadium, there is no excuse for behavior that puts our team or our opponents at risk,” Tucker concluded.
It was Wolverines defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows who was the main focus of the attack that occurred, with at least four Michigan State players punching and kicking the player in full view of cameras, which will make it easier to serve punishment on those involved.
Indeed it’s likely that law enforcement will become involved in the matter while those who have been suspended by the Spartans have been handed bans that, for the moment, have no timeline.
The Spartans, who were 8-0 at this time last season, are now struggling in a big way, and coach Tucker is under immense pressure. This comes after he was handed a 10-year contract extension worth $95 million.
It’s likely that further players will be handed suspensions and bans, and this could all lead to the season unravelling at the Spartan Stadium.
