SAN ANTONIO — A massive brawl broke out following a college basketball game in Texas on Monday night, leading to injuries of team staff and fans.
The incident occurred as the teams started shaking hands after Texas A&M-Commerce‘s 76-72 win at Incarnate Word. It’s unclear what sparked the fight but players from both teams were seen throwing punches.
Coaches and players from each team tried to separate the players as the video showed several players on the floor and multiple pileups as the fight continued. Broadcasters commented a fan was hurt as a result of the brawl and one of the team’s managers had “blood on his face”.
The Southland Conference issued a statement, saying they were aware of the “end-of-game situation that occurred.”
“We will be working closely with both universities to review the footage and issue appropriate disciplinary action,” the Southland said in its statement. “Unsportsmanlike behavior is unacceptable in the Southland Conference and the safety of our student-athletes, spectators, and officials remains a top priority.”
In a joint statement, Incarnate Word and A&M-Commerce both apologized “for the behavior exhibited by our respective men’s basketball programs.”
“There is no place in college sports for such actions,” the statement read. “The unsportsmanlike conduct that occurred after the game does not reflect the values of the universities involved, as well as the Southland Conference and their member institutions. The matter is currently being reviewed collectively by the Conference office and both institutions as the safety of our student-athletes, staff, and fans is our primary concern.”
