One of the Michigan football players attacked by Michigan State after Saturday’s rivalry game in Ann Arbor is planning to press charges after he was allegedly struck in the face with a helmet.
The father of Wolverines defensive back Gemon Green told ESPN the family expects to take legal action “on those involved” after video showed a Michigan State player hitting his son with a helmet. Green’s father said the helmet also struck his son in the back and shoulder.
Video from the tunnel after Michigan’s 29-7 win also showed Michigan State players attacking defensive back Ja’den McBurrows. Michigan State suspended four players — Tank Brown, Khary Crump, Angelo Grose and Zion Young — for their roles in the incident.
“Right now we have an ongoing police investigation,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday. “What happened in the tunnel was egregious. Sickening to watch the videos, the ones that are on social media right now, and also the ABC tunnel cam that’s at a higher elevation that shows much more of what took place. As I said, those are sickening to watch.
“There needs to be accountability. There needs to be a full, thorough, timely investigation. I can’t imagine this will not result in criminal charges. The videos are bad, and it’s clear what transpired. It seems very open-and-shut. As they say, watch the tape.”
Video footage appears to show a Michigan State player hitting Michigan’s Gemon Green with his helmet during a brawl in the tunnel after their rival game on Oct. 29, 2022. Twitter/APHarbaugh added that an apology will not suffice.
“There should be serious consequences for the many individuals that are culpable,” he said.
In announcing the suspensions of the four Spartans players, Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker said the program was working with law enforcement and the players would remain suspended until investigations into the fight conclude.
Michigan’s Gemon Green (22) tries to defend Michigan State’s Keon Coleman on Oct. 29, 2022. Getty Images
Michigan defensive back Gemon Green (22) during a game against Indiana on Oct. 8, 2022. Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesTucker added Monday that the actions of his players were “unacceptable.”
“We have a responsibility to uphold the values of this great university,” Tucker told reporters. “We are deeply sorry to both universities, the conference, our fans, alumni, supporters and of course all of our student-athletes both past and present.”
