When this story first broke last week, our sources told us this would get MUCH worse and it has . . . for Coach Mark Dantonio and the administration at Michigan State University. After a disappointed 6-6 season, the team now is in line for a bowl bid (contractually obligated by the Big Ten), but missing a number of starters, including receivers B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell, and defensive back Chris L. Rucker. Not to mention the two players who were kicked off the team last week, running back Glenn Winston and junior safety Roderick Jenrette.
Worst yet, sources say as many as five more football players–allegedly involved in a brawl with a members of a fraternity–could also be suspended and all 15 could face criminal charges.
The most disturbing part of this story? This was not some drunken bar fight where dance floor egos got out of hand. Reports are saying that the assault on the frat rats was premeditated and that some of the players tried to wear ski masks to hide their identities. This, of course, less than a year after Winston was arrested for assaulting an MSU hockey player. After serving only 180 days in jail, Dantonio rushed him back to the team without as much as an apology to the victim, A.J. Sturges, who’s playing days Winston ended with a sucker punch to the head.
Worst yet, sources say as many as five more football players–allegedly involved in a brawl with a members of a fraternity–could also be suspended and all 15 could face criminal charges.
The most disturbing part of this story? This was not some drunken bar fight where dance floor egos got out of hand. Reports are saying that the assault on the frat rats was premeditated and that some of the players tried to wear ski masks to hide their identities. This, of course, less than a year after Winston was arrested for assaulting an MSU hockey player. After serving only 180 days in jail, Dantonio rushed him back to the team without as much as an apology to the victim, A.J. Sturges, who’s playing days Winston ended with a sucker punch to the head.
Eight members of the MSU football team were suspended by head coach Mark Dantonio on Monday following the ongoing results of an investigation by MSU police into a Nov. 22 altercation at Rather Hall. It is unclear how long their suspension will last. Police have identified 10 suspects from the incident and are looking into leads relating to five additional people, a release from the university stated. Police identified the suspects by talking with witnesses and reviewing video tape from Rather Hall. The State News filed a Freedom of Information Request on Monday seeking the video footage.
According to the release: “Pending completion of the police investigation, eight members of the MSU football team identified Monday as being present at the Rather Hall incident were immediately suspended from all daily team-related activities by Coach Mark Dantonio. B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell, Ashton Leggett, Chris L. Rucker, Fred Smith, Brynden Trawick, Ishmyl Johnson and Jamiihr Williams have been suspended for violation of team rules.” MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said she was unsure what charges could be filed against the suspects. The case could be forwarded to the the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office early next week, the release stated.
SOURCE: The State News : 8 members of football team suspended Monday for being present during Rather Hall incident
What do Spartan fans think of all of this? At the website for the MSU student newspaper, The State News, we found these comments:
And,
Unbelievable. Do these PUNKS not understand that they are part of something bigger? Something that represents the school? They are pieces of a PROGRAM, and they have completely shamed all of us. I hope Dantonio is ready to lose a few boots up there because these thugs need it. And starters, no less. Unbelievable.