Michigan State suspends four players after ugly post-game altercation

Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker suspended four players Sunday night after police began investigating a postgame altercation with opposing Michigan players in the locker room tunnel.

Starting defensive back Angelo Grose, starting defensive end Zion Young, backup defensive end Tank Brown and backup defensive back Ky Crump were suspended indefinitely, the coach said.

The Spartan players fought with Michigan’s  Ja’Den McBurrows and Gemon Green after a 27-9 loss Saturday night.

“We are currently working with law enforcement, Michigan State and Michigan campus leadership, and the Big Ten Conference to further evaluate the events in Ann Arbor, including but not limited to, additional student-athlete participation in the altercations and contributing factors,” Tucker said. “The initial student-athlete suspensions will remain in place until the investigations are completed.

Police are investigating the alleged assault captured on video, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh called the incident an assault on two of his players after his team won 29-7 over Michigan State on Saturday, ESPN reported. 

Video from The Detroit News shows Michigan State players throwing punches and kicking Michigan defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows.

"What happened after the game is completely unacceptable. I've talked to the commissioner, he's looking into it," Manuel said. "The police are also looking into it, because they've seen the video and they're addressing it."

Tucker said that “while emotions were very high at the conclusion of our rivalry game at Michigan Stadium, there is no excuse for behavior that puts our team or our opponents at risk. In complete cooperation with law enforcement, the Big Ten Conference and MSU and UM leadership, we will evaluate the events in Ann Arbor and take swift and appropriate action."