Seven football players at Michigan State University have been criminally charged following two assaults that happened on two players from rival school Michigan.
The attack happened late last month following a game between the two teams at The Big House in Ann Arbor, which Michigan dominated 29-7, when the teams were walking back to their locker rooms.
Defensive back Khary Crump was charged with one count of felonious assault for allegedly hitting Michigan defensive back Gemon Green in the head with his helmet.
ESPN noted that defensive lineman Jacoby Windmon, who was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault & battery, was seen in the same video “hitting and kicking” the player.
Itayvion Brown, Angelo Grose, Justin White, Brandon Wright, and Zion Young were all charged with one misdemeanor count of aggravated assault in connection with an attack on Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows.
BREAKING: Charges have been filed against 7 MSU football players for their involvement in the tunnel melee against Michigan players on Oct. 29
Khary Crump being charged with felonious assault, Jacoby Windon assault & battery, 5 others with aggravated assault. pic.twitter.com/e6HeDLloOT
— Tony Garcia (@RealTonyGarcia) November 23, 2022
“At the University of Michigan we appreciate the thoughtful, deliberate approach from the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to this unfortunate incident,” Michigan president Santa J. Ono said in a statement. “We also want to express our concern for all the players involved, especially those who were injured. The University of Michigan will continue to cooperate fully with any additional reviews of this matter.”
Michigan State University had already suspended the players accused of being involved in the incident.
Attorney Tom Mars, who is representing Green, said, “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.”
“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,” Mars continued. “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 head football coach Jim Harbaugh said there was an active criminal investigation into the matter.
“What happened in the tunnel was egregious,” Harbaugh said. “Sickening to watch the videos, the ones that are on social media right now, and also the ABC tunnel cam that’s at a higher elevation that shows much more of what took place. As I said, those are sickening to watch.”
“There needs to be accountability. There needs to be a full, thorough, timely investigation. I can’t imagine this will not result in criminal charges. The videos are bad, and it’s clear what transpired. It seems very open-and-shut. As they say, watch the tape,” he continued. “An apology will not get the job done in this instance. There should be serious consequences for the many individuals who are culpable.”