BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- A total of 31 players have been suspended by two American universities after a sideline-clearing brawl Saturday between its football teams. The announcement came Sunday after a review of the altercation.
The University of Miami Hurricanes suspended 13 players for one game, while Florida International said 18 players will not be eligible to play Oct. 28 against the University of Alabama. Miami will play Duke University on Saturday.
“These suspensions send a clear and definitive message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated," said Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford. Miami (4-2) is a member of the ACC.
“I don't have many bad days," Miami coach Larry Coker said Sunday morning, long before the suspensions were announced shortly after 10 p.m. “This is a bad day. And last night was a bad night."
Sun Belt Conference officials and FIU (0-7) suspended almost half of its starting offensive and defensive lineups.
“There is no place in higher education for the type of conduct exhibited," Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Wright Waters said.
“I can promise you," FIU coach Don Strock said, “that this will never happen again."
The brawl began in the third quarter after a Miami player scored a touchdown and made mocking gestures at the FIU bench. Moments later, FIU's Chris Smith wrestled Miami's Matt Perrelli to the ground and punched him.
Another FIU player kicked Perrelli in the helmet and both benches began to empty.
“You've got to back up each other," said Miami quarterback Kyle Wright. “You're not just going to sit out there and let guys get beat up."
"Disgraceful," Coker said.
Coker — who has been under fire from alumni and Miami fans throughout the season, and whose job security seems to be a constant source of speculation because of several past altercations — bristled at the suggestion that he doesn't have control of his team.
“I do have a grip on this program," Coker said. “Don't ever doubt that. Don't ever doubt that." Enditem
(Agencies)
