Following the conclusion of a pretty physical and at times chippy matchup between the Memphis Tigers and the Bowling Green Falcons, things spilled over into the handshake line. That’s when Tigers guard Jamirah Shutes punched Falcons guard Elissa Brett, spoiling what had been a well played Women’s NIT matchup between the two programs.
Shutes and Brett had words throughout the contest, but nothing seemed too outlandish, which eventually led to the incident as the two teams lined up to show respect for a hard-fought game. The punch knocked Brett down, and while she was able to get up and leave the court under her own power, she was visible shaken.
Shutes has been formally charged with assault, and the university released a statement saying the incident has been turned over to Bowling Green campus police.
“The incident that took place following tonight’s home WNIT game has been turned over to the BGSU police department,” the statement read. “Bowling Green State University Athletics does not make comments about active police investigations. Our priority is with the health, safety and support of our student-athletes.”
Shutes Had To Be Escorted Off The Floor
After punching Brett, Shutes had to be held back and taken to the locker room by a Tigers staffer. For BGSU they’re still trying to figure out how that came about, and what triggered Shutes becoming physical with Brett.
Falcons head coach Robyn Fralich talked about the incident in her postgame presser.
“We’re still kind of figuring all those things out — what happened,” Fralich said.
When asked about how Brett’s condition Fralich said this:
“We’re still trying to figure all that out too.”
While there’s no definite rhyme or reason as to why Shutes was so upset she threw a punch, the Memphis Commercial Appeal is reporting that Shutes took an elbow to the face from Brett in the first quarter that kept her out for all but eight minutes of the first half.
Handshake Line Incidents Have Happened Before
There has long been discussions over whether they should do away with the handshake line following games. That possibility stems from incidents like this one, and while it doesn’t happen often, it should never happen.
A wave by the opposing coaches and acknowledgement from distance may be the way to go, because sucker punching someone in the line is just not a good look.
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