Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Korey Hernandez has apologized for the chump change that sparked a postgame brawl Saturday night.
As South Alabama celebrated its 59-10 victory over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, Hernandez stormed onto the field and delivered a punch to South Alabama defensive back Jamarrien Burt in the back. That sparked an ugly scuffle after the game involving several people from both teams.
Hernandez, a graduate student from Decatur, Georgia, released a statement late Sunday evening.
“First, I must apologize for the embarrassment my actions have caused my family, my team, the Eastern Michigan University community and the Mid-American Conference,” Hernandez wrote in a five-paragraph statement posted on social media media was published. “I also had the opportunity to personally apologize to Jamarrien Burt and Coach (Kane) Wommack of South Alabama, and both of them accepted my apology.”
“I understand how my decision has affected so many others and I take full responsibility in this matter. I will not allow this incident to define my character or my future path as a leader, athlete, Eagle and father.”
“I will spend the immediate future reflecting on my factions and carefully planning my next steps with my family and support system. In the spirit of the holidays, I ask for forgiveness from everyone who was directly or indirectly affected by my negative decisions, especially my team and those who have invested so much in my success.
“My family and I appreciate the privacy at this time as we will have no further comment.”
Hernandez's statement came hours after Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee issued a statement saying the school had apologized to South Alabama and that EMU planned to review video of the altercation to determine whether disciplinary action would be taken would be imposed.
South Alabama officials released a statement saying they accepted Eastern Michigan's apology.
Hernandez spent five years at Eastern Michigan and played four seasons after transferring from Iowa Western Community College. Hernandez played in 11 games this season, but according to the official box score and attendance count, he did not play in the 68 Ventures Bowl. He is now no longer eligible to study.
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