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The Eastern Michigan Eagles had a chance to get their licks in against South Alabama Saturday during the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Unfortunately for them, winding up on the wrong side of the 59-10 final score left one Eagles player, graduate defensive back Korey Hernandez, seeking another one that resulted in a sucker punch against the opposition well after the final whistle had blown.
Multiple videos captured by fans and later posted on social media showed Hernandez running the length of the field while South Alabama sang their alma mater to celebrate the victory. The good vibes were interrupted when Hernandez hit South Alabama defensive back Jamarrien Burt in the back of the head — while Burt still wore his helmet — and a melee ensued from there, involving members of both programs before the fight was broken up.
Eastern Michigan confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Sunday that the player who started the brawl was Hernandez.
“We strongly condemn the actions of some of the student-athletes on the EMU football team in the ugly incident that took place following last night’s 68 Ventures Bowl,” Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “We are deeply upset and embarrassed by what happened. Their conduct does not reflect the great pride and high standards we place on the game and our program, and the expectations for good sportsmanship and exemplary conduct of student-athletes on and off the field. What happened was completely unacceptable.”
In the statement, Wetherbee apologized to the Eastern Michigan community and the South Alabama team and their fans. Wetherbee also reached out to South Alabama athletic director Joel Erdmann to apologize, according to the statement. He and university president James Smith have also been in contact with Mid-American Conference commissioner Dr….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/emu-player-sucker-punches-south-180043239.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2023-12-24 18:00:43
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