The Mind of Mike is a scary place. This Michigan and Michigan State melee has me all kinds of opinionated.
First off what in the hell is happening lately? We have gone from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches thrown in Penn State- Michigan to full out assault now? Two incidents in two games at The Big House after decades of just jawing back and forth? Something’s up and I’m not sure what it is.
https://twitter.com/BradGalli/status/1587146319973388290
In case you’ve missed it, multiple Michigan State players attacked a helmet-less Ja’Den McBurrows in the tunnel following a 29-7 loss to Michigan. There is video evidence of players hitting McBurrows and using helmets as a weapon. No matter what McBurrows said, whether he was taunting or not, it doesn’t matter. This is out of hand. Fellow Wolverine Germon Green was also assaulted as criminal charges have been pressed on his behalf. An investigation is underway.
While I’m sure the Michigan players aren’t angels in this, what the Michigan State players did was criminal. I am stunned by the lack of any attempt from players to break up this melee. Clearer heads were nowhere to be found and the reactions of the powers that be at Michigan State are not enough — yet.
Mel Tucker first said he didn’t know anything about it. Then he stated on Twitter
https://twitter.com/Coach_mtucker/status/1586708504739549184
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Michigan State President Samuel L. Stanley said…
“I’m extremely saddened by this incident and the unacceptable behaavior depicted by members of our football program,” Stanley said. “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. Coach Tucker will be holding the players involved responsible, and our football team and university will be cooperating with all related investigations by law enforcement and the Big Ten Conference.”
That’s a little better obviously and Tucker did suspend four players — linebacker Itayvion Brown, cornerback Khary Crump, safety Angelo Grose and defensive end Zion Young — indefinitely as a result of the incident.
Tucker said Monday…
“We’re not here to make any excuses for the behaviors on Saturday. They are unacceptable. It is also very important to say we honor the traditions of the Big Ten Conference, including the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry game, and we have a responsibility to uphold the values of this great university. We are deeply sorry to both universities, the conference, our fans, alumni, supporters and of course, all of our student-athletes, past and present.”
— Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker
But a clear message and not just apologies is what’s needed here. Everyone involved with the attack should be dismissed from the Michigan State team and lose their scholarship. This is what would happen if 10 regular students jumped two others outside a dorm so why not in this case? And these criminal charges? Bring them and bring them hard to send a message to every other player out there — you’re responsible for your actions whether it’s in a tunnel or at a party. Keep your hands off other people.
Jim Harbaugh called this “assault” and said it can’t be fixed by an apology and he’s seen more video than we have as a few angles haven’t been released. And he’s right. Actions are stronger than words and the ball is in Michigan State’s court now. Let’s see what they do.
