'Deeply upset and embarrassed': EMU reviewing video of brawl after bowl game – Detroit News

Eastern Michigan was blown out by South Alabama in its bowl game.
Then the two teams came to blows.
A brawl broke out following Saturday night’s 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where an Eastern Michigan player took a swing at an opposing player as South Alabama was celebrating its 59-10 win. The South Alabama player had his back to turned to the EMU player, and the punch set off a fight involving multiple players on the field.
The EMU player who took the swing hasn’t been identified. Video posted to social media appeared to show an EMU player wearing No. 5. EMU lists two players who wear No. 5.
Eastern Michigan said Sunday it will review video of the altercation to determine any disciplinary action.
“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,” EMU athletic director Scott Wetherbee said in a statement Sunday afternoon. “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. We apologize to the Eastern Michigan University community and the South Alabama team and their fans.”
Wetherbee added that he has talked with South Alabama AD Joel Erdmann, and that head coach Chris Creighton has talked to South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack.
Wetherbee said the two schools will share video, as EMU investigates what transpired and who was involved.
“While we are disappointed in the incident that occurred following our team’s victory, we are grateful to the leadership at Eastern Michigan University for taking ownership of the incident and reaching out to our leadership here at South Alabama to apologize and ensure us they will fully investigate the matter,” Erdmann, the South Alabama athletic director, said in a statement. “We do not believe this incident in any way reflects the values of Eastern Michigan University or its football program.”
The South Alabama player who was hit in the head was identified as defensive back Jamarrien Burt. Eastern Michigan didn’t identify the player who threw the punch, or any other players it is investigating.
Creighton said after Saturday night’s game that he didn’t see the altercation unfold.
“But I definitely saw the intensity of what had just happened,” Creighton told reporters, according to AL.com. “We had a really good, long talk in the locker room afterwards. We want to be first-class all the time, no matter the circumstances, no matter what the scoreboard is, no matter what other factors, people, whatever are involved. 
“Anything short of being first-class is not living up to the standard that we have in Eastern Michigan football.”
Wetherbee said EMU president James Smith has been in contact with Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. Wetherbee also has talked to Steinbrecher.
“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,” Wetherbee said.
EMU made a bowl game for the third consecutive season, and finished 6-7.
This marks the third time in the last two seasons that a Michigan college football team was involved postgame fight, including the tunnel incident with Michigan State and Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor last year, and a melee between rivals Ferris State and Grand Valley State in the 2022 Division II playoffs.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
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