Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller has asked the Big Ten to look into the postgame incident that occurred on the field after Saturday’s loss to Michigan.
“I was on the field right away,” Haller said Monday. “I didn’t see any of the things that I’ve since seen on video. I called the commissioner (Tony Petitti) right after the game. I thought the sportsmanship policy should be applied. I requested that the Big Ten investigate this.
“I do believe we had a staff member and a player involved in the scuffle. I’m waiting for the conference to review it and let me know what they observed.”
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Michigan State defensive end Anthony Jones pushed, shoved, and butted helmets, leading to a fight as the last seconds of the game ran out. Michigan players left their sideline to join the fight, and Michigan State players quickly came over as well.
Video seemed to show Michigan running back Kalel Mullings making a stomping motion while surrounded by players, but it’s unclear what was on the ground near him.
“I haven’t looked at every angle and all that,” Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith said Monday when asked about his view of the incident. “There were a lot of bodies out there. We had a staff member and a player involved, and that’s what we hope the Big Ten will investigate.”
The last time these teams faced off at the Big House two years ago, a fight broke out in the tunnel, with Spartans hitting, kicking, and using a helmet against Michigan players.
Seven Michigan State players were later charged with crimes, and the Big Ten fined the school $100,000. Michigan was also reprimanded for not providing enough protection for both home and visiting team personnel when entering and leaving the venue.
“I don’t think that situation should have been a criminal incident and I don’t think this should be as well,” Haller said. “This is a sportsmanship policy situation and the conference will look at it. It’s my wish that the same standard that everyone is held to, that they be held to the same standard.”
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore spoke about the skirmish during his Monday news conference.
“The postgame skirmish, just unacceptable, not how we carry ourselves but we will address that internally,” he said. “That’s not how we represent the University of Michigan, the Block M or the winged helmet. We will take care of that so it will never happen again.”
Moore told his players in the locker room that what happened was unacceptable and planned to give the same message on Monday. Moore added that the conference had not contacted him regarding the skirmish.
