Eastern Michigan has “strongly” condemned the brawl that followed its loss to South Alabama after one of its players suffered the defeatucker hit a rival on the back of the head.
“We are deeply upset and ashamed,” the school said. 'What happened was completely unacceptable.'
South Alabama defeated the visitors 59-10 to win the 68 Ventures Bowl, but the team's celebration was cut short when one of the players was attacked from behind.
South Alamaba players and staff stood in the stands opposite the marching band and sang the school's national anthem when Eastern Michigan player Korey Hernandez raced across the field and hit South Alabama's Jamarrien Burt.
Moments later, players from both teams were involved in a fight. On Sunday, Eastern Michigan apologized for the “completely unacceptable” behavior.
Eastern Michigan “strongly” condemned the brawl after its loss to South Alabama
Korey Hernandez of Eastern Michigan rushed Jamarrien Burt of South Alabama
Punches were thrown as players from both teams became involved in the violence in Alabama
“We strongly condemn the actions of several student-athletes on the EMU football team in the ugly incident that occurred following last night's 68 Ventures Bowl,” EMU athletic director Scott Wetherbee said in a statement.
“We apologize to the Eastern Michigan University community and to the South Alabama team and their fans.”
Wetherbee revealed that both he and EMU coach Chris Creighton have apologized to their South Alabama counterparts, while the school has spoken with Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher and is “committed to working together to resolve the incident to investigate'.
Some staffers tried to end the violence as punches were thrown and South Alabama players piled into an Eastern Michigan rival on the ground.
The images, which appeared on social media, showed the fights after the match
Fracas continued to break out even after it seemed that tensions were beginning to cool. Near the end of the clip, which appeared on social media, a South Alabama player tackled an opponent to the ground.
According to reportsthe violence came after tempers flared during the match There's going to be at least one major altercation on the sidelines of South Alabama.
Burt's older brother, fellow defenseman Brian Dillard, was said to be among those who intervened to defend him before both teams were sent to their locker rooms.
Afterwards, Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton said, “We had a really good, long chat in the locker room afterward.
“We always want to be first-class, no matter the circumstances, no matter what the scoreboard is, no matter what other factors, people, whatever are involved. And anything short of top-notch is not up to the standard we have in Eastern Michigan football.
'I think our boys attach a lot of importance to performing well. I'm sure we were embarrassed by the way we played and it probably didn't take much to get our guys to a place we hope they never get to.”
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