Eastern Michigan condemns postgame melee following 49-point loss to South Alabama

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Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee apologized for a postgame incident and condemned Eagles players' actions following the team’s 68 Ventures Bowl loss to South Alabama on Saturday night.

The incident occurred as South Alabama players were listening to their band perform. An Eastern Michigan player, identified as Korey Hernandez, punched Jaguars player Jamarrien Burt. It sparked a melee between Jaguars and Eagles players before they were finally separated.

It was not clear what sparked the punch, but Wetherbee put out a statement on Sunday night.

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South Alabama Jaguars head coach Kane Wommack shakes hands with Eastern Michigan Eagles head coach Chris Creighton after their game in the 68 Ventures Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Dec. 23, 2023 in Mobile, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)

"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," the statement read. "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. I have been in contact with South Alabama Director of Athletics Joel Erdmann to express our sincere apologies and Coach Creighton has done the same with Coach Wommack. We are committed