A football player from Eastern Michigan expresses regret for striking a player from South Alabama during a bowl game.
In Mobile, Alabama, the South Alabama Jaguars celebrated their football team’s inaugural bowl championship with a resounding 59-10 victory over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl game. However, the joyous occasion took a dark turn when Eastern Michigan Defensive Back Korey Hernandez unexpectedly punched Jags Cornerback Jamarrien Burt, triggering a brawl on the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
The motive behind Hernandez’s sudden aggression remains unclear, though some speculations on social media point to a potential facemask call in the second quarter as a source of frustration. Despite the lack of clarity, the graduate student from Decatur, Georgia, is now seeking forgiveness. Hernandez took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express a personal apology to Burt and Head Coach Kane Wommack.
“I understand how my decision impacted so many others, and I am fully accountable in this matter. I will not allow this incident to define my character or my path moving forward as a leader, an athlete, an Eagle, and a father,” Hernandez stated in his message.
Scott Wetherbee, Eastern Michigan’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, characterized the incident as embarrassing and strongly condemned the actions that transpired.
“We are continuing to review the situation and the conduct of the student-athletes involved and will take appropriate action as more information is gathered,” Wetherbee commented in an official statement.
