Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels players and North Carolina State Wolfpack players fight as State tries to put a Wolfpack flag at midfield after the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

ACC fines, reprimands four schools for sportsmanship violations

North Carolina, North Carolina State, Virginia and Virginia Tech were fined and publicly reprimanded by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday following altercations at their respective rivalry games on Saturday.

The amounts of the institutional fines were not released, but the Raleigh News & Observer reported that the maximum penalty in the ACC bylaws is $25,000.

NC State defeated North Carolina 35-30 on Saturday, after which the Wolfpack were one of several teams around the country to plant a flag on the hosts’ field. North Carolina players got into a postgame fight with NC State players.

Players from Virginia and Virginia Tech got into a fight before their game, which Virginia Tech won 37-17.

“In both cases, the actions violated the ACC Sportsmanship Policy,” the league said in a statement. “The unsportsmanlike behavior that was displayed is unacceptable and tarnishes the passionate on-field play between these institutions.

“The funds from the imposed institutional fines — which are the maximum allowed by the league’s bylaws — will be placed into the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship account.”

Michigan and Ohio State each were levied $100,000 fines by the Big Ten Conference for a postgame fight between their teams after the Wolverines upset the Buckeyes in Columbus.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans players fight after the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Big Ten: No disicipline for Spartans-Wolverines fight

The Big Ten will not take any further action against participants in Saturday’s postgame fight involving players from Michigan State and Michigan.

The conference announced Tuesday that its thorough review of the video evidence from the incident in Ann Arbor was “inconclusive.”

“Amidst the confrontation, student-athletes from both teams were on the ground and surrounded by so many individuals that both players were completely obscured from view,” the Big Ten said in a statement. “The video review was inconclusive as to whether individual discipline was appropriate for anyone in the immediate vicinity of the two players who were on the ground.

“While the confrontation was a disappointing conclusion to the contest, the Conference appreciates the efforts made by staff from both teams, security personnel, and game officials to rapidly de-escalate the incident, as well as the responses by both head coaches. The Big Ten discussed the situation with both institutions and determined that no further action will be taken.”

In the final moments of Michigan’s 24-17 victory, Spartans defensive lineman Anthony Jones and Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland began to scuffle, and both teams left the sidelines as the clock ticked down.

Loveland was seen headbutting Jones with his helmet on, and later in the fracas, Michigan running Kalel Mullings appeared to be stomping on a player at the bottom of a pile.

The Big Ten’s decision to drop the investigation means that both programs can focus on big games this Saturday.

Defending national champion Michigan (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) plays host to No. 1 Oregon (8-0, 5-0). Michigan State (4-4, 2-3) takes on No. 13 Indiana (8-0, 5-0) in East Lansing, Mich.

–Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce speaks with the media after the first day of training camp at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on July 26, 2023.

Jason Kelce admits ‘cheap shot’ sparked Eagles-Colts practice fight

The Philadelphia Eagles’ joint practice with the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday was cut short by a sideline-clearing brawl.

Veteran Eagles center Jason Kelce later owned up to blindsiding Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin at the end of a play. The ensuing melee between the two clubs led to an early end to the practice, the final one of training camp before they play a preseason finale Thursday.

Reports from the scene said that Franklin delivered two big hits on Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell. After the second, Kelce laid a hit on an unsuspecting Franklin.

Kelce called his actions a “cheap shot” and said he felt ashamed he let his frustration get the better of him.

“That certainly doesn’t belong out there on the field and just a little bit ashamed that it got to that level and that I did what I did,” Kelce said, “so certainly not happy about that, and I think very highly of the guys that were out there.”

Kelce added that he did not meet with Franklin to clear the air after practice because tensions between the Eagles and Colts may have still been too high.

“Forty-four, Zaire (Franklin), I think he’s a tremendous player,” Kelce said. “I think a lot of all their guys up front and they brought a lot of intensity to the day, which made the practice intense. And, you know, I think I didn’t handle things properly there at the end.”

Franklin, a starting linebacker entering his sixth year in the NFL, is a Philadelphia native and told reporters he grew up watching Kelce on the Eagles.

“Growing up in Philly, watching him for a long time — lot of respect for him,” Franklin said. “Talked to him a little bit after we played them last year. I thought the OGs would at least look me in the eye before (hitting me), but it’s all good. I might get a chance to look him in the eye Thursday, so we’re going to be OK.”

Gainwell, for his part, said Kelce was merely protecting his teammates.

“That’s just Kelce being Kelce,” Gainwell said. “That’s just Kelce being a professional and taking players’ backs.”

–Field Level Media

Denver Harris 11 makes a catch during the LSU Tigers Spring Game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY NETWORK.  Saturday, April 22, 2023.

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Report: LSU transfer CB Denver Harris faces discipline for role in fight

Cornerback Denver Harris, a former five-star prospect who transferred to LSU this offseason, may be given “time away” from the program over his role in a fight at practice last week, 247Sports reported Tuesday.

Harris was absent from practice Monday and Tuesday, according to reporters in Baton Rouge, La. He was missing from the LSU team photo for the upcoming season, as well.

247Sports reported that Harris had a “pretty big role” in a fight at practice last week and attempted to instigate it further in the locker room.

The fight occurred Aug. 7 and involved punches and players being taken to the ground, the Baton Rouge Advocate reported. Wide receivers Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy were dismissed from practice, and star linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. did not play another snap the rest of the day, the report said.

LSU coach Brian Kelly has not addressed Harris’ absence but is expected to do so Wednesday.

Despite rumors on social media, Harris has not been dismissed from the program, and his player bio is still available on the LSU football roster online.

Harris began his college career at Texas A&M and was one of three freshmen suspended indefinitely by coach Jimbo Fisher last season for an incident in the locker room at a road game. He did not play again for the Aggies after that.

In five games as a true freshman in 2022, Harris had 14 tackles and three pass breakups.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) carries the ball against Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory (5) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos’ Randy Gregory, Rams’ Oday Aboushi suspended for fight

The NFL on Monday suspended Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory and Rams offensive lineman Oday Aboushi one game each without pay following their postgame fight Sunday in Inglewood, Calif.

Video replays showed Gregory, who took the first swing, and Aboushi exchanging punches immediately after Los Angeles wrapped up a 51-14 victory against Denver. Both players were still wearing their helmets at the time and neither appeared to get hurt.

The NFL punished them for violating league rules on unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness.

Gregory, 30, is in his first season with the Broncos after playing parts of five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He missed the entire 2017 and 2019 seasons while serving suspensions for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Aboushi, 31, is in his first season with the Rams following stints with the New York Jets (2014), Houston Texans (2015-16), Seattle Seahawks (2017), Arizona Cardinals (2018), Detroit Lions (2019-20) and Los Angeles Chargers (2021).

–Field Level Media

Cornerback Gemon Green (22) on the field during the Michigan spring game Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Michigan Stadium.

Mich Spring

Michigan DB Gemon Green hires lawyer for case against Michigan State players

Michigan defensive back Gemon Green retained a high-powered attorney to file a lawsuit following an altercation with Michigan State players that left him injured.

In a statement issued to the Free Press in Detroit, attorney Tom Mars said Green has a case against the Spartans players who led an “attack” on Green in the stadium tunnel Saturday night following No. 4 Michigan’s 29-7 win in the heated rivalry.

“When college football players brutally attack a member of the opposing team with their helmets, resulting in the player suffering a concussion and other injuries, an apology won’t suffice,” Mars said in a written statement obtained by the Free Press. “There has to be severe consequences for this kind of misconduct. Not only does Gemon Green deserve to be compensated for his injuries, severe consequences in this case will deter others who might think they can get away with brutally beating an opposing player and only get a slap on the wrist.

“I’ve got news for the MSU players who did this to Gemon. They are going to feel the full wrath of the law.”

Michigan State indefinitely suspended four players – Tank Brown, Angelo Grose, Khary Crump and Zion Young – who were shown on video hitting and kicking defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows and swinging a helmet at Green.

A police investigation into the case is continuing and could result in criminal charges. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday he expected charges to be filed.

“We’re not here to make any excuses for the behaviors Saturday,” Michigan State Mel Tucker said Monday in his weekly news conference. “They are unacceptable. It’s also very important to say we honor the traditions of the Big Ten conference, including the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry game and we have a responsibility to uphold the values of this great university.”

Harbaugh said Monday he did not know if Green would be able to play this weekend at Rutgers.

Mars worked previous cases involving the Big Ten. He represented Justin Fields as the then-Ohio State quarterback sought a waiver to play immediately when he transferred from Georgia to Ohio State. Mars also challenged the conference in 2020 after it put on hold all fall sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic before reversing course.

–Field Level Media

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker on the sidelines during Michigan's 29-7 win over Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Ann Arbor.

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Michigan State condemns ‘assault’ on Michigan players

Michigan State officials said Sunday that players who confronted and threw punches at at least one Michigan player after their rivalry game on Saturday night will be held responsible and that the university will cooperate with any forthcoming investigations from police or the Big Ten.

Michigan defeated Michigan State 29-7, and after the game, video captured a group of Spartans players punching and kicking Wolverines defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows in the tunnel heading toward the locker room. Tempers had flared near the end of the game.

“As Spartans our program has a responsibility to uphold the highest level of sportsmanship,” Spartans coach Mel Tucker posted to Twitter Sunday morning. “While emotions were very high at the conclusion of our rivalry game at Michigan Stadium, there is no excuse for behavior that puts our team or our opponents at risk.

“In complete cooperation with law enforcement, the Big Ten Conference and MSU and UM leadership, we will evaluate the events in Ann Arbor and take swift and appropriate action.”

Michigan State president Samuel L. Stanley Jr. said such actions would not be tolerated.

“I’m extremely saddened by this incident and the unacceptable behavior depicted by members of our football program,” Stanley said in a statement released by the school. “On behalf of Michigan State University, my heartfelt apology to the University of Michigan and the student athletes who were injured.

“There is no provocation that could justify the behavior we are seeing on the videos. Rivalries can be intense but should never be violent.

“Coach Tucker will be holding the players involved responsible, and our football team and university will be cooperating with all related investigations by law enforcement and the Big Ten Conference.”

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was visibly shaken after the game and called the incident an assault on two players, though the second player was not identified. Harbaugh said one of the players could have sustained an injury to his nose.

“Just like anybody, you want to protect your players,” Harbaugh said. “Ten on one, whatever it was, it was just bad. It needs to be investigated and brought to a conclusion. Our athletic director will make sure that that takes place.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel shared Harbaugh’s dismay at the incident.

“What happened after the game is completely unacceptable. I’ve talked to the commissioner (Kevin Warren), he’s looking into it,” Manuel said. “The police are also looking into it, because they’ve seen the video and they’re addressing it. We will leave it in their hands, but this is not how we should interact after a game.

“This is not the way another team should grab a player and do what they did. It’s completely and utterly unacceptable. We will let the Big Ten and law enforcement handle it, but this is not what a rivalry should be about.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) reacts after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (not seen)  during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Fan injured in Patriots-Panthers practice scuffle

A fan was injured Wednesday after players for the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots got into a fight at a joint practice in Foxboro, Mass.

The scuffle was sparked when Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. knocked down Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was already out of bounds. McCaffrey spiked the football at Wise’s feet in response and the ensuing scrum spilled into the stands.

ESPN reported that Wise fell onto a woman, who suffered a swollen foot but refused treatment from the Patriots’ medical staff.

Wise and McCaffrey apologized to the woman and the Patriots reportedly offered her tickets to a game this season.

Wise, 28, was also involved in a tussle at Tuesday’s joint practice session. He was ejected from that workout along with Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and cornerback Kenny Robinson.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants offensive line coach Bobby Johnson on the field for mandatory minicamp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in East Rutherford.

News Giants Mandatory Minicamp

Giants OL coach ‘remorseful’ for pushing player in brawl

New York Giants offensive line coach Bobby Johnson expressed regret Tuesday for pushing linebacker Cam Brown during a brawl at practice Monday.

According to reports from Giants camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Johnson entered a fracas at Monday’s practice to push Brown off center Jon Feliciano as he tried to drag Feliciano out of a melee. It triggered Feliciano into throwing a punch toward Brown.

“The incident (Monday), I take full responsibility,” Johnson said Tuesday. “I’m remorseful. It can’t happen. It won’t happen again.”

Johnson is in his first season as the Giants’ offensive line coach. He spent the past three seasons in the same role with the Buffalo Bills and followed Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to New York when Daboll accepted the Giants’ head coaching position.

Brown is entering his third season in the NFL, all with the Giants. New York selected him in the sixth round of the 2020 draft. He has 21 tackles and a forced fumble across 27 career games. Feliciano, 30, has seven seasons of NFL experience, playing 34 games (31 starts) with the Bills over the past three seasons.

–Field Level Media

Nov 1, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Javon Wims (83) gets into a fight with New Orleans Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Saints’ Gardner-Johnson denies report he spit on Mims

New Orleans Saints defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Monday denied a report that he spit on Chicago Bears receiver Javon Mims during Sunday’s game, prompting a sucker-punch and an on-field fracas.

During the third quarter of the Saints’ overtime win, Mims ran over to Gardner-Johnson – who wasn’t guarding him on the play – and sucker-punched him twice in the helmet and facemask. A fight broke out and the Bears receiver was ejected.

NFL Network reported Monday that Mims told Bears’ coaches that Gardner-Johnson spit on him in addition to ripping out his mouthpiece. Gardner-Johnson, who was slugged by teammate Michael Thomas in practice that led to Thomas missing the team’s Week 5 game, denied that report.

“It ain’t got nothing to do with me. If he’s acting out, that’s on him,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters. “It wasn’t no incident. … It’s a lot of he said, he said. Ain’t nothing happened. Nobody got spit on.”

Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy was upset with Mims after Sunday’s game, saying “I am really, really bothered by that third-quarter incident.” Nagy followed up Monday by saying he had talked to Mims.

“Out of respect, I’m going to keep that between us and internally, but we did talk to him, and regardless of what went on, he was apologetic and knows that no matter what, you can’t do what he did,” Nagy said.

Mims is expected to be suspended by the NFL.

–Field Level Media