Eastern Michigan defensive back Korey Hernandez has apologized for throwing the sucker punch that started a postgame brawl Saturday night.
As South Alabama was celebrating its 59-10 win over Eastern Michigan in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Hernandez raced onto the field and landed a punch to the back of South Alabama defensive back Jamarrien Burt. That started an ugly postgame melee involving several people from both teams.
Hernandez, a graduate student from Decatur, Ga., released a statement late Sunday night.
“I must first apologize for the embarrassment that I have caused my family, my team, the Eastern Michigan University community, and the Mid-American Conference by my actions,” Hernandez wrote in a five-paragraph statement, posted to social media. “I have also had the opportunity to personally apologize to Jamarrien Burt and Coach (Kane) Wommack of South Alabama, and both of them have accepted my apology.
“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.
“I will spend the immediate future reflecting on my factions and carefully planning my next steps with my family and support system. In the spirit of the holidays, I ask for forgiveness from all who were directly or indirectly impacted by my negative decisions, especially from my team and those who have invested so much in my success.
“My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we will make no further comment.”
Hernandez’s statement came hours after Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee issued a statement, saying the school had apologized to South Alabama, and that EMU was planning to review the video of the altercation to determine what if any discipline will be handed down.
South Alabama officials released a statement saying they have accepted Eastern Michigan’s apology.
Hernandez has spent five years at Eastern Michigan, playing four seasons, after transferring from Iowa Western Community College. Hernandez played in 11 games this season, but according to the official box score and participation count, he didn’t play in the 68 Ventures Bowl. He is now out of collegiate eligibility.
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