YPSILANTI, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Eastern Michigan University Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee apologized to South Alabama and condemned a player’s behavior. The player raced onto the field after the 68 Ventures Bowl and punched an opposing player in the head.

The confrontation took place as South Alabama’s players, cheer squad, and band lined up to sing the school song following a 59-10 rout of EMU.

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The player, who has not been identified, charged into the group and punched a South Alabama player. Another South Alabama player dragged the EMU player onto the field. This sparked a free-for-all among members of both teams.

Wetherbee issued the following statement:

“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. 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 to the South Alabama team and their fans. I have been in contact with South Alabama Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann to express our sincere apologies and Coach Creighton has done the same with Coach Womack. We are committed to sharing information and video to fully understand all that occurred.

As Coach Creighton stated in the postgame press conference, there is absolutely no place for this kind of incident in the Eastern Michigan University football program. University President James Smith and I have been in contact with Mid-American Conference Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher and we are committed to working jointly to investigate the incident in accordance with institutional and 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.”

South Alabama identified defensive back Jamarrien Burt as the victim of the punch.