Seven MSU Players Face Assault Charges Stemming From Tunnel Incident

NCAA Football: Michigan State at Wisconsin
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Following the postgame altercation that took place last month between rivals Michigan and Michigan State, seven Michigan State Spartan players are now facing various assault charges. In addition to linebacker Itayvion Brown, cornerback Khary Crump, safety Angelo Grose and defensive end Zion Young, three other MSU players are facing charges. Those three are linebacker Jacoby Windmon, cornerback Justin White, and defensive end Brandon Wright.

While Crump is facing felonious assault (the most egregious of the charges), the other six suspects are facing misdemeanor charges. Windmon has been charged with one count of assault and battery, and the rest have all been charged with one count each of aggravated assault.

The fight broke out inside the Michigan Stadium tunnel on Oct. 29 after the Wolverines beat the Spartans. Videos showed Michigan State players punching and kicking Ja’Den McBurrows.


Crump allegedly swung his helmet at a Michigan player. The felonious assault charge against him could be related to the use of the helmet as a dangerous weapon and could carry up to four years in prison if he is convicted.

A conviction for a misdemeanor assault could carry up to a year in prison and a misdemeanor assault and battery conviction could result in up to 93 days behind bars.

Following the brawl, Michigan State coach Mel Tucker suspended eight players.

After charges were announced, Michigan president Santa J. Ono said the school appreciated “the thoughtful, deliberate approach from the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to this unfortunate incident,” in a statement issued Wednesday.

“We also want to express our concern for all the players involved, especially those who were injured,” Ono said. “The University of Michigan will continue to cooperate fully with any additional reviews of this matter.”

The family of Michigan’s Gemon Green recently expressed their intent to press charges against the Michigan State players. Green was identified as one of the two Michigan players that sustained injuries that required medical treatment during Saturday’s altercation with Michigan State. The other player was his teammate, Ja’Den McBurrows.

Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh advocated for accountability when addressing the media.

“There needs to be a full, thorough, timely investigation. I can’t imagine this will not result in criminal charges. The videos are bad. It’s clear what transpired. This is very open and shut. As they say, watch the tape,” Harbaugh said.

The head coach continued, emphasizing how serious he takes this situation and saying that he is not just a coach entrusted with the safety of another family’s child, but also as a father himself.

“These young men are entrusted to me by their families and to our program, and we have the responsibility to each player to treat them like our own, and I take that responsibility very seriously. An apology will not get the job done in this instance. There should be serious consequences for the many individuals that are culpable.”

Attorney Dave D. Diamond, who represents one of the MSU players, claims the tunnel altercation was sparked by one of the Michigan players.

“The media has taken the bait from a coach and master victim and his howls at the moon. The repeated ‘hail to the victims’ song and dance does not contribute to the fact-finding mission. Where were the screams from Ann Arbor to criminally charge (men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard) with assault or (former Michigan football player Devin Bush Jr.) with felony vandalism. The silence was palpitating. The hypocrisy is painful. While we acknowledge wrongdoing by all parties, this is not an incident that warrants criminal charges being filed. We have seen similar behavior and even worse on the gridiron and suddenly because it happens in a tunnel, known for incompetent security and poor post-game management, there are calls for criminal charges. My client is a young man who responded to the situation before him.”

FOX Sports has more HERE.

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