31 suspension after a bench clearing football brawl in Florida. Who's to blame?

Question

Are the coaches and faculty without blame?

Governor Bush Weighs in on Miami-FIU Brawl
Bush: 'It Was Horrible, a Complete Embarrassment'

Separated by only 9 miles, Florida International and the University of Miami are worlds apart when it comes to football. The crosstown matchup of underdog versus perennial power stirred strong sentiments when they met for the first time Saturday night, and emotions erupted in the second half with a bench-clearing brawl.

"It's unfortunate that some folks who have never heard of Florida International University now associate it with what occurred at the Orange Bowl on Saturday night," said Alvarez, class of '74. "FIU has made great strides as a university. It has a law school and is going to have a medical school. It's a first-rate school."

No one was injured, but the melee has been played repeatedly on national television, hurting the image of both schools.

Was this matter overblown or were the 31 suspensions justified?

Answer 1

Overblown? They didn't even begin to get serious enough with what happened down there. Part of the issue here is as you said, they are just 9 miles apart! Many of these kids played against each other in high school down there in Florida. Some went on to the "U" as they like to call themselves while others who couldn't afford it or just weren't quite good enough went to FIU. There was already a rivalary built in because of this. Now add to it that Larrry Coker (Miami coach) doesn't have a clue as to how to handle his team (see examples from earlier this year as well as their blowout loss to LSU in last years bowl game) and you have the perfect mixture for a melee such as this. The "U" has had a long history of questionable behavior. The coach of FIU (Don Strock) played professional football so he too should know better how control his players. Both coaches should be relieved of their duties. That won't happen because the alumni would have a fit and the presidents of these universities don't have the balls to do anything! It's a sad situation that will only serve to show others that they can get away with something similar and only recieve a slap on the wrist.

Answer 2

No, it wasn't overblown, and I blame the players first, but the coaching staff is almost as much to blame. They've allowed the players to develop the thuggish attitude that led to that brawl. It's one thing to be highly competetive, but Miami players have traditionally and continuously spouted "smack talk" to the media and other teams for the last decade, at least. It seems like Miami fosters bad attitude in its players like it gives them a competetive edge. The sportscaster that wanted to join the brawl was an ex-Miami player. That "come into our house and you'll get your butt beat" mindset seems drilled into those players.

I think the coaching staff should have some sort of punishment for this, too, but the players can't complain that they're being treated unfairly. If they had been at a bar instead of on a football field, they would have been arrested for assault, disorderly conduct, etc. instead of merely getting suspended from playing a game.

Answer 3

The blame should go the 31 players involved in this brawl because they were acting irresponsibly on their count. They knew their actions were being watched by millions on national TV. And as for the matter involved in this mess, the suspensions were justified. It sends a clear, but stern message to all other college football players not to get into anything like it again!

Answer 4

Hell yeah the suspensions were justified. When you act a fool with no regard for others and embarrass your schools name, you deserve to deal with the consequences whatever they may be. And not a damn slap on the wrist and a don't do that again. Those kids (their actions don't even warrant calling them men) need to grow up and learn how to deal with their anger instead of lashing out and causing a scene where serious injuries could have happened. These are respectable citizens, right?! A freakin' joke!

Answer 5

Suspensions were definitely justified. How about suspending the coaches as well. Since this wasn't just 1 or 2 guys but the whole team it is obvious the coaches do not have control of their teams.

Answer 6

The suspensions were justified and coaches are not to blame.

The players involved are directly responsible.

Part of learning to be a first class competitor is not letting the pressure eat you up. if you want anything to do with the pros...what collegiate athlete doesn't?...you have to show poise in the face of conflict. That means...no fighting....no bumping, no shoving...all you can do is hit harder, be faster, be the better athlete...and if you can sucker the opponent into throwing a swing...take it and let him receive the suspension.

Now...on the upside...
the family that "preys" together - stays together.

Answer 7

No the matter was not overblown. Every guy that threw a punch should be suspended. That one Miami guy going around hitting people with his helmet. Oh yeah, that is something I want my 10 year old to watch and he was watching that game when it happened.

Answer 8

i think there is a lot of blame to go around. but the university of miami has always had a blackeye when it has come to its football players. look at lamar thomas he was a broadcaster and he got fired because he was encouraging the behavior on the air. he was a grad of miami, micheal irvin, look at him. the list is long. they went into louisville and stomped on the mascot on the 50yd line, these players dont have any respect for other schools. they have a strange superiority complex.

Answer 9

Jorge Posada definitely suspended Carlson too CC Sabathia maybe Joba Chamberlein maybe

Answer 10

this was not acceptable at all. all the members who participated in the fight should be removed from the team.The coaches should be fired.Miami has recruited these jackasses for years. they are always getting 1 game suspensions.if you want to clean out this program send a message that wont be forgotten by those Coral Gables drug heads.