ANN ARBOR, Michigan – Following their Saturday night game, Michigan State players roughed up Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows in the Michigan Stadium tunnel.
Following the Wolverines’ 29-7 victory over the Spartans, social media posts depicted at least 3 Michigan State players pushing, punching, as well as kicking McBurrows inside and just next to a hallway that doesn’t lead to either locker room.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh stated that a second player, whom he did not recognize was also attacked and that one was injured, possibly with a broken nose.
Harbaugh stated, “Two of our players were assaulted.” “I saw it on one video.” Ten to one. It was quite bad.
“It should be looked into.”
According to University of Michigan Deputy Police Chief Melissa Overton, an investigation is currently underway in collaboration with Michigan State University Police, as well as the athletic department and football program at Michigan.
“Occurrences like these, as well as community safety, are taken extremely seriously,” Overton said.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel stated that Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren, who was present at the game, is also investigating the brawl.
A memo was left for Warren as well as Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller seeking comment.
“What followed the game was totally unacceptable,” Manuel said. “I spoke with the commissioner. He’s investigating. The police are investigating because they saw the video. After the game, we should not interact in this manner.
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker stated that he had no knowledge of what occurred in the tunnel following the game.
“I understand it was a tense game,” Tucker admitted. “We were attempting to get our players into the locker room.” We will have to wait and see what happens.”
This is the second time this season that a fracas has occurred in the long, narrow tunnel leading from the locker rooms to the field at Michigan.
Penn State coach James Franklin stated earlier this month that a policy change was required to keep the procedure of teams using the tunnel more orderly.
