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Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee apologized for a postgame incident and condemned the actions of Eagles players following the team's 68th Ventures Bowl loss to South Alabama on Saturday night.
The incident occurred as South Alabama players were listening to their band perform. An Eastern Michigan player, identified as Korey Hernandez, struck Jaguars player Jamarrien Burt. A scuffle broke out between Jaguars and Eagles players before they were eventually separated.
It was not clear what triggered the blow, but Wetherbee issued a statement Sunday evening.
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South Alabama Jaguars head coach Kane Wommack shakes hands with Eastern Michigan Eagles head coach Chris Creighton after their game in the 68 Ventures Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Mobile, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)
“We strongly condemn the actions of some student-athletes on the EMU football team in the ugly incident that occurred last night following the 68 Ventures Bowl,” the statement said. “We are deeply shocked and ashamed by what happened. “Your behavior does not reflect the great pride and high standards we place in the game and our program, as well as the expectations of good sportsmanship and exemplary behavior from student-athletes on and off the field.” What happened was completely unacceptable.
“We apologize to the Eastern Michigan University community, as well as the South Alabama team and their fans. I have contacted South Alabama Athletics Director Joel Erdmann to express our sincere apologies and Coach Creighton has done the same with Coach Wommack. This is what we do.” committed to sharing information and videos to fully understand everything that happened.
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Wetherbee said the school is still investigating the incident.
South Alabama athletic director Joel Erdmann also released a statement.
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Cornerback Marquise Robinson, No. 7 of the South Alabama Jaguars, and safety Yam Banks, No. 8 of the South Alabama Jaguars, tackle wide receiver Isaac Smith, No. 14 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles, during the first half of the game in the 68 Ventures Bowl at the Hancock Whitney Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Mobile, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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“I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Jerry Silverstein and the City of Mobile for inviting me to participate in the 2023 68 Ventures Bowl. Our student-athletes and coaches enjoyed a first-class experience that we are proud of.” “We thank them for winning the first bowl championship in school history in front of our loyal fans and community. It is an achievement that will not soon be forgotten,” said Erdmann’s statement.
“While we are disappointed by the incident that occurred after our team's victory, we are grateful to the leadership at Eastern Michigan University for taking responsibility for the incident and reaching out to our leadership here at South Alabama “To apologize and to assure us that they will conduct a full investigation.” We do not believe this incident in any way reflects the values of Eastern Michigan University or its football program. We hope this situation does not change the fact that the Jaguars are 68 Ventures Bowl Champions.”
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Members of the South Alabama Jaguars hold up the 68 Ventures Bowl trophy after defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the 68 Ventures Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Mobile, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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South Alabama won the game 59-10.
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