Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee apologized in a statement on Sunday for the giant brawl that took place after South Alabama’s 59-10 victory against the Eagles in the 68 Ventures Bowl on Saturday.
The Jaguars were celebrating on the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., when an EMU player ran on the field and punched South Alabama defensive back Jamarrien Burt in the back of his helmet. The punch led to a huge fight on the field between multiple players from both teams.
While EMU coach Chris Creighton wasn’t aware of what sparked the brawl, he along with Wetherbee were “deeply upset and embarrassed” by the altercation, calling it “unacceptable.”
“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,” Wetherbee wrote in the statement. “Their conduct does not reflect the great pride and high standards we place on the game and our program. ... We apologize to the Eastern Michigan University community and to the South Alabama team and their fans.”
Both Wetherbee and Creighton have spoken to Jaguars athletic director Joel Erdmann and football coach Kane Wommack about Saturday’s brawl. Wetherbee said the program is “committed to sharing information and video” to fully understand what sparked the fight.
“…There is absolutely no place for this kind of incident in the Eastern Michigan University football program,” the statement read. “We are committed to working jointly to investigate the incident in accordance with institutional and [Mid-American] Conference policies. We are continuing to review the situation and the conduct of the student-athletes involved and will take appropriate action as more information is gathered.”
