Report: Michigan Player to Press Charges After Tunnel Altercation

The player’s father reportedly said he was hit in the face, back and shoulder with a helmet.

The father of Michigan defensive back Gemon Green, a defensive back who allegedly was hit with a helmet during a scuffle with Michigan State players Saturday in the tunnel of Michigan Stadium, told ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren they plan to press criminal charges. 

Green’s father said his son was hit in the face, back and shoulder with a helmet. Per Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde, Green has retained Tom Mars as his attorney.

“When college football players brutally attack a member of the opposing team with their helmets, resulting in the player suffering a concussion and other injuries, an apology won’t suffice,” Mars said in a statement. “There has to be severe consequences for this kind of misconduct. Not only does Gemon Green deserve to be compensated for his injuries. Severe consequences in this case will deter others who might think they can get away with brutally beating an opposing player and only get a slap on the wrist. I’ve got news for the MSU players who did this to Gemon. They are going to feel the full wrath of the law.”

In a video that surfaced after Michigan’s win, multiple Spartans are seen kicking and punching Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows while he was on the ground. Green was not seen in the video. 

In a second video, a Wolverines player can be seen getting hit with a helmet by a Spartans player. It’s uncertain whether this was Green. 

As a result of the altercation, Michigan State announced the suspension of players Tank Brown, Khary Crump, Angelo Grose and Zion Young in a statement. 

When talking to reporters Monday, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the incident and called it “sickening.”

“I can’t imagine this will not result in criminal charges,” he said, per The Athletic’s Austin Meek. 

More CFB Coverage:

• Win or Lose, Mickey Joseph Believes His Time Is Now at Nebraska
• Six Big Questions Leading Into the First CFP Rankings
• Michigan State Suspends Four Players in Wake of Tunnel Altercation
• Wolverine Digest: Michigan Football Dominated Michigan State In Several Areas 

For more Michigan coverage, go to Wolverine Digest.