As the clock struck zero in Michigan’s 24-17 win over Michigan State on Saturday, there were fireworks between the two teams. Players from both teams got involved in a skirmish, and now Spartans athletic director Alan Haller is calling for Michigan to be held to the “same standards” as everyone else when it comes to disciplinary action.
After the Wolverines took a knee to end the game, Michigan State defensive end Anthony Jones and Michigan tight end Colston Loveland got into a physical altercation. This drew a crowd and the Wolverines’ sideline quickly emptied onto the field as several Spartans came running from the far sideline.
Amid the commotion, video appears to show Michigan running back Kalel Mullings engaging with a Michigan State staff member on the field.
Haller, a former Michigan State defensive back, knows what can happen when tensions run high in these rivalry games. Speaking to reporters, Haller made it clear he wants the Spartans to get a fair shake when the incident is reviewed by the Big Ten Conference.
“I’ve played in four of them and the emotions are high,” Haller said. “This game is unlike anything our teams play all year. I can’t play this game anymore, but when we play this team, I’m just going to make sure our kids have a level playing field and that we’re held to the same standards as everyone else.
Two years ago, in 2022, Michigan State and Michigan were brawling in the tunnel after the game. Eight Spartans have been suspended by the state of Michigan for the remainder of the season, and seven of them were charged with felony assault.
Defensive back Khary Crump, who swung his helmet at a Michigan player, initially faced criminal assault charges and was suspended for the first eight games of the 2023 season by the conference. In addition to Crump’s suspension, the Big Ten also fined Michigan State $100,000.
Haller said he hopes the Big Ten, led by second-year commissioner Tony Petitti, will apply the same standards to Michigan.
“We’re held to a certain standard, I want them to be held to the same standard,” Haller said.
As players from both teams were involved in the postgame scrimmage, Haller said he was proud of Michigan State’s “restraint” and praised the Spartans’ coaching staff for their role in that.
“You could see that our players were contained and our staff did a great job of preventing any of our players from being involved in what happened,” Haller said.
The Big Ten Conference is still investigating the altercation and Haller said he has not been given a timetable for when that investigation will conclude.