Postgame Brawl Erupts After Texas A&M-Commerce Victory, Prompting Apologies and Review”
Following Texas A&M-Commerce’s 76-72 victory over Incarnate Word on Monday, a significant postgame brawl erupted as the teams were in the process of shaking hands.
READ: New York Businesses Ordered to Require Masks Indoors or Vaccine Proof
Texas A&M
The cause of the fight in the handshake line remains unclear, but it involved multiple players from both teams throwing punches. Despite efforts from coaches and players to separate the brawling individuals, the altercation persisted for over a minute, with members from both programs scuffling across the court.
The fight resulted in multiple players on the floor and various pileups. Broadcast analysts reported that a “young girl” in the crowd was injured during the altercation, and one of the team’s managers had “blood on his face.” However, there was no immediate information from authorities or the schools regarding injuries.
Later on Monday, Incarnate Word and A&M-Commerce issued a joint apology for the postgame altercation in a statement, expressing regret for the behavior exhibited by their respective men’s basketball programs.
“There is no place in college sports for such actions,” the statement emphasized. “The unsportsmanlike conduct that occurred after the game does not reflect the values of the universities involved, as well as the Southland Conference and their member institutions. The matter is currently being reviewed collectively by the Conference office and both institutions as the safety of our student-athletes, staff, and fans is our primary concern.”
The Southland Conference also addressed the incident, stating that it is aware of the “end-of-game situation” and will collaborate with both universities to review the footage and issue appropriate disciplinary action.
“Unsportsmanlike behavior is unacceptable in the Southland Conference, and the safety of our student-athletes, spectators, and officials remains a top priority,” the Southland Conference emphasized in its statement.
Both teams are currently at the bottom of the conference standings, with each entering Monday’s contest with three league wins. Texas A&M-Commerce had also won the first matchup between the two squads, with Lions coach Jaret von Rosenberg describing it as “a dogfight” on his postgame radio show.
