Jim Harbaugh called the incident in the tunnel involving multiple Michigan State players fighting a Michigan football player “traumatic.” The Michigan football coach added that he expects criminal charges will be filed.
Shortly after Michigan’s 29-7 victory over Michigan State, social media videos showed multiple Michigan State players brutally punching and kicking a Michigan player, identified as Ja’Den McBurrows.
Another video showed a helmet was swung at Michigan defensive back Gemon Green.
“Right now we have an ongoing police investigation, what happened in the tunnel was egregious, sickening to watch,” Harbaugh said Monday afternoon. “The videos, the ones that are on social media right now and also the ABC tunnel cam is in a higher elevation that shows much more of what took place.
MSU indefinitely suspended four players identified in the incident: Tank Brown, Khary Crump, Angelo Grose and Zion Young.
“There needs to be accountability, there needs to be a full, thorough, timely investigation. I can’t imagine that this will not result in criminal charges, the videos are bad. It’s clear what transpired, it seems very open and shut as they say.”
Harbaugh said both players have injuries.
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said the school is working with law enforcement, Michigan State and Michigan campus leadership, and the Big Ten Conference to evaluate what happened. Michigan State President Samuel Stanley apologized for the “violent” skirmish.
“I’m extremely saddened by this incident and the unacceptable behavior depicted by members of our football program,” Stanley said in a statement. “On behalf of Michigan State University, my heartfelt apology to the University of Michigan and the student athletes who were injured.
“There is no provocation that could justify the behavior we are seeing on the videos. Rivalries can be intense but should never be violent.”
This would be the second straight game at Michigan that included an altercation in the tunnel that goes from the locker rooms to the field.
It was earlier this month when Penn State coach James Franklin said a policy change was needed after heated words were exchanged between Michigan players and Penn State players. One player from Penn State is said to have thrown peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
