Statement released by Eastern Michigan AD following wild fight after 49-point loss to South Alabama football

Eastern Michigan and South Alabama football teams fight at 68 Ventures Bowl, EMU AD apologizes, condemns actions, and promises cooperation.

Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee has addressed the recent altercation between the Eastern Michigan and South Alabama football teams during their game at the 68 Ventures Bowl. Wetherbee released a statement expressing condemnation for the actions that took place and offering apologies to the South Alabama football program.

In his statement, Wetherbee strongly condemned the actions of some of the student-athletes on the EMU football team, calling the incident "ugly" and expressing deep upset and embarrassment. He emphasized that their conduct does not reflect the high standards and pride placed on the game and the program, as well as the expectations for good sportsmanship and exemplary conduct of student-athletes on and off the field. Wetherbee also extended apologies to the Eastern Michigan University community and the South Alabama team and their fans. He stated that he has been in contact with South Alabama Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann to express sincere apologies, and Coach Creighton had also reached out to Coach Womack. Wetherbee emphasized the commitment to sharing information and video to fully understand all that occurred.

The South Alabama football program achieved a 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan in the game, which may have contributed to tempers boiling over and leading to the altercations on the field. Wetherbee's statement is a necessary step in addressing and acknowledging the incident.

It is hoped that Joel Erdmann and Southern Alabama, as a whole, have received the necessary communication and assurances following the altercation, and that there will be no repeat occurrences from Eastern Michigan in the future.

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