University police from both Michigan and Michigan State are reportedly investigating what Wolverine head coach Jim Harbaugh is calling an “assault” on two of his players in the aftermath of a 29-7 win over the Spartans Saturday night.
Michigan AD Warde Manuel confirmed that the police are looking into the incident after video showed Michigan State players surrounding Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows throwing punches and kicks.
“What happened after the game is completely unacceptable. I’ve talked to the commissioner, he’s looking into it,” Manuel said. “The police are also looking into it, because they’ve seen the video and they’re addressing it. We will leave it in their hands, but this is not how we should interact after a game.
“This is not the way another team should grab a player and do what they did, it’s completely and utterly unacceptable. We will let the Big Ten and law enforcement handle it, but this is not what a rivalry should be about.”
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Despite the video appearing to show just McBurrows in the middle of the scuffle, Harbaugh mentioned that two Michigan players were assaulted with one suffering a nose injury.
“Just like anybody, you want to protect your players,” Harbaugh said. “Ten on one, whatever it was, it was just bad. It needs to be investigated and brought to a conclusion. Our athletic director will make sure that that takes place.”
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker was also asked about the incident but mentioned he didn’t know what happened but is trying to figure out exactly what transpired.
“I know it was a heated game, things were heated,” Tucker said. “We’re trying to get our guys in the locker room. We’re going to have to figure out what happened.”
Meanwhile, both Michigan and Michigan State released a joint statement that read “The University of Michigan Police, in partnership with Michigan State University Police, Michigan Athletics, and Michigan football, is actively reviewing footage and investigating the postgame incident. Situations like these, and the safety of the community, are taken very seriously.”
The Big Ten also mentioned that they’re “aware” of the incident and “is currently gathering information, will thoroughly review the facts, and will take appropriate action.”
Suspensions and possible expulsions from the team could very well be coming for the Michigan State players involved based on what was seen on the video. As far as any charges being filed who knows really when you’re dealing with situations like these in the realm of a sporting event? What’s obviously different though is this took place off the field after the game was already over.
