Eastern Michigan apologizes for bowl brawl

Eastern Michigan HC Chris Creighton Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Eastern Michigan apologizes for brawl at 68 Ventures Bowl

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/24/23

Eastern Michigan university issued an apology on Sunday after one of its players ignited a massive brawl following the school's 59-10 loss to South Alabama in the 68 Ventures Bowl on Saturday night.

As South Alabama players were standing and singing the school's alma mater, defensive back Korey Hernandez sprinted across the field and sucker punched an unsuspecting Jamarrien Burt in the back of the head, sparking a huge fracas on the field.

On Sunday, Eastern Michigan condemned the actions of Hernandez in a statement issued by athletic director Scott Wetherbee.

An official statement from Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee pic.twitter.com/exgffMiiDT
— Eastern Michigan Football (@EMUFB) December 24, 2023

It is not fully known what prompted Hernandez's actions or the brawl.

Hernandez has spent the past four seasons with Eastern Michigan but has not made much of an impact in recent years, recording just nine total tackles in each of the past two seasons. He intercepted just one pass with Eastern Michigan and that came all the way back in the 2019 season.

South Alabama not only won the 68 Ventures Bowl decisively on the scoreboard, but also held a commanding 627-150 edge in total yards.

Eastern Michigan finished the season with a 6-7 record after Saturday's defeat. South Alabama, meanwhile, finished with a 7-6 record.

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