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'No further action' after Michigan-Michigan fight

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The Big Ten Conference says it will take no further action after an on-field brawl broke out between Michigan and Michigan State football players at the end of their game last weekend.

The incident began after Michigan delivered a 24-17 win over Michigan State in its final game.

As the final seconds ticked down, Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and MSU defensive back Anthony Jones converged and Loveland head-butted Jones with his helmet.

Afterwards, Jones grabbed Loveland by the helmet and then many other players got involved.

“Little brother, stick with the little brother thing,” Loveland told Big Ten Network immediately after the game. “MSU, the little brother. They can do whatever they want. We knew it would be difficult. Everything within the confines of the game we do right, and after the game they want to get busy, and we're going to get busy.”

Most of the players on the field came from the Michigan sideline, and at one point it appeared as if Michigan running back Kalel Mullings kicked an MSU player or staff member who was lying on the ground.

The Big Ten said Tuesday that there was insufficient video evidence to determine the exact incident and that it would not impose suspensions or fines.

“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 conference said in a statement. “During the confrontation, student-athletes from both teams were lying on the ground with so many people surrounding them that both players were completely invisible. Video review revealed inconclusive findings as to whether individual discipline was appropriate for anyone in close proximity to the two.” Although the confrontation was a disappointing end to the competition, the conference commends the efforts of both teams' personnel, security staff and match officials, to address the incident to quickly de-escalate, as well as their reactions. Both head coaches discussed the situation with both institutions and decided not to take any further action.

RIVALRY INTRODUCTION: Michigan State's Jonathan Smith on Michigan fight: 'We won't forget Saturday night'

The on-field fight, of course, comes two years after the tunnel altercation between Michigan and Michigan State players at Michigan Stadium.

That day after the game, UM players ran up the tunnel while the MSU players headed to the locker room, and violence quickly erupted as an ugly incident occurred that included kicking and punching – even a Helmet was swung.

Former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh called for criminal charges to be filed against the MSU players involved. That's what ultimately happened when charges, including six misdemeanors and one felony, were filed against seven of the eight MSU players involved.

Seven of MSU's eight players involved were suspended for the remainder of the season, while Khary Crump, the only player charged with a crime, was suspended for the 2023 season.

Former Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren also fined MSU $100,000 following the incident, the largest in conference history.

When asked about the incident Monday, current Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore said it was unacceptable and would be handled internally.

“This is not how we represent the University of Michigan, the Block M or the winged helmet,” Moore said. “We will ensure that something like this never happens again.”

Up at Michigan State University, athletic director Alan Haller discussed the incident Monday and said he hopes Michigan is held to “the same standards” as other schools.

Haller rejected criminal charges against those involved.

LAST TIME: Michigan Football's Sherrone Moore: Postgame fight 'will never happen again'

“I don’t plan to do that. “I don’t think this situation (in 2022) should have been a criminal incident, nor do I think it should be,” Haller said Monday. “This is a sporting political situation and the conference will address it. And I wish that the same standard that everyone adheres to, that (UM) is held to the same standard. But I don’t believe this incident or incident is a criminal situation.”

Following the Big Ten's ruling on Tuesday, Haller released a separate statement.

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

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel told Tony Garcia of the Free Press that he spoke to the league about the “post-game shenanigans” on Sunday afternoon, and conference officials later responded to him saying they “would not be taking any punitive action against anyone.” .

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