Tensions ran high following South Alabama's 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan the 68 Ventures Bowl Saturday when a postgame fight erupted after a sucker punch was thrown.
Eastern Michigan defensive back Korey Hernandez rushed to South Alabama's side of the field while the team was facing the marching band and singing the school's alma mater. To the shock of most everyone, he sucker punched an opposing player. Multiple members of both teams were involved in the extracurricular activities before the fight was eventually broken up.
South Alabama players and coaches were able to come back onto the field minutes later for the trophy presentation.
"I didn't see things when they happened," Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton said postgame on the incident. "But I definitely saw the intensity of what had just happened. We had a really good, long talk in the locker room afterwards. We want to be first-class all the time, no matter the circumstances, no matter what the scoreboard is, no matter what other factors, people, whatever are involved. And anything short of being first-class is not living up to the standard that we have in Eastern Michigan football."
This dude should leave in an 🚑 or 🚓 pic.twitter.com/7vwbNAhiDp
— Josh Pate (@LateKickJosh) December 24, 2023
South Alabama finished with a 627-150 edge in total yards and allowed its lone touchdown of the game to Eastern Michigan in garbage time to win its first bowl game in program history. Coming into the weekend, the Jaguars had an 0-3 all-time record in bowl games.
"We strongly condemn the actions of some of the student-athletes on the EMU football team in the ugly incident that took place following last night's 68 Ventures Bowl," Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee said in a statement. "We are deeply upset and embarrassed by what happened. Their conduct does not reflect the great pride and high standards we place on the game and our program, and the expectations for good sportsmanship and exemplary conduct of student-athletes on and off the field. What happened was completely unacceptable. We apologize to the Eastern Michigan University community and to the South Alabama team and their fans.
