Michigan State Football Players Charged after Brawl with Wolverines

On October 29, 2022, the Michigan Wolverines beat the Michigan State Spartans in a football game with a score of 29-7. Michigan’s stadium, often called “The Big House”, is notorious for only having one tunnel that leads to either team’s locker rooms. The Lloyd Carr tunnel has been the site of many brawls between Michigan and their opponents over the years, with this most recent incident being the third in their last seven home games.

Most of these brawls were minor and likely didn’t result in much more than a couple players being suspended from competition for a week or so, but the brawl during the Wolverines vs. Spartans game had an outlandish outcome. After the game, Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows was walking through the tunnel when five Michigan State players by the names of Itayvion Brown, Justin White, Angelo Grose, Zion Young and Brandon Wright could be seen on video pushing, punching and kicking McBurrows. Another Michigan defensive back by the name of Gemon Green was also involved in an incident with Michigan State players Khary Crump and Jacoby Windmon, allegedly suffering a concussion during the melee that left him sidelined for a week. 

Crump is being charged with felony assault for slamming his helmet into Gemon Green. Windmon is being charged with assault and battery of Gemon Green. The rest are all being charged with aggravated assault of Ja’Den McBurrows. 

All seven of the players were suspended by Michigan State University, as well as cornerback Malcolm Jones. The University of Michigan has expressed support of their players that were attacked, as well as made a change in the policy of their tunnel which includes the entire opposing team entering and exiting before any member of the Wolverines can do the same. Michigan State has also expressed support of their players as well as suggesting changes in the way universities keep athletic competitions safe.