No punishment from the Big Ten for the UM-MSU skirmish at the end of the game

East Lansing — The Big Ten will not discipline the athletes involved in the altercation Saturday night after the game between the Michigan and Michigan State football teams.

The conference announced the decision in a statement released on Tuesday.

“The Big Ten Conference has thoroughly reviewed the video of the incident that occurred at the end of the Michigan-Michigan State football game on Saturday,” the statement said. “During the confrontation, student-athletes from both teams lay on the ground and were surrounded by so many individuals that both players were completely invisible.

“The video review did not provide a conclusive conclusion as to whether individual discipline was appropriate for those in close proximity to the two players who were lying on the ground. Although the confrontation was a disappointing end to the competition, the conference commends the efforts of both teams' personnel, security personnel and game officials to quickly de-escalate the incident, as well as the responses of both head coaches. The Big Ten has discussed the situation with both institutions and has decided to take no further action.”

After the game, there was helmet-to-helmet contact between Spartans defensive lineman Anthony Jones and Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland among a number of players, including a bevy of Michigan players at the lateral line. During the skirmish, Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings appeared to stomp his foot on something – or someone – although the exact landing of his foot was not visible on the overhead video.

On Monday, Michigan State athletics director Alan Haller called on the Big Ten to investigate the incident as part of its athletic policy.

“This is a sporting political situation and the conference will address it,” Haller said Monday. “And it is my desire that they (Michigan) be held to the same standards that everyone holds themselves to.”

The 2022 tunnel brawl between the two teams ended with Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit filing charges against seven Spartans football players involved in the skirmish, leading to a settlement and misdemeanor indictment against former Michigan State cornerback Khary Crump, led. Haller reiterated on Monday that he did not want Saturday's fight to reach the level of criminal charges that happened in 2022.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said Monday that his team would ensure discipline internally. With the conference taking no action, Michigan State's next move is unknown.

“Regardless of whether I agree with the Big Ten’s determination, its decision is final,” Haller said in a statement to The Detroit News. “I will continue to work to ensure our student-athletes, coaches and staff are treated fairly.”

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@ConnorEaregood