SDSU Issues Apology for Football Brawls

After public criticism from the Greater San Diego Sports Assn. and San Diego State President Tom Day for participation in three brawls during its final two games, the Aztec football team learned Wednesday that players who lead the team onto the field in any future altercations will face disciplinary action.

The statement was issued by Fred Miller, SDSU athletic director, and Al Luginbill, the head coach.

“We understand and share the concern those incidents have caused,” Miller said. “It’s important that the community realize that we addressed this matter immediately following last week’s Miami game in a responsible, orderly fashion. We regard the issue as serious and feel we have taken a proactive stance to prevent a recurrence.”

Neither Miller nor Luginbill specified what “disciplinary action” players leading others from the sideline will face. The action apparently came on the heels of several meetings last week involving SDSU administrators, coaches and players.

An open letter from the SDSU football team to the community, signed by Miller, Luginbill and returning starters David Lowery and Darrell Lewis, accompanied the statement.

The text of the letter:

We have repeatedly stated at San Diego State University that our goal is to build a quality football program with quality student athletes of which the university and the community can be proud. We will not waiver (sic) from that commitment.

Following the bench-clearing episodes during the Fresno State University and University of Miami games, we wish to publicly acknowledge that our team erred in coming onto the field during those incidents. We wish to apologize to our university, our community and to the other universities involved for our actions on those occasions. This was not an example of how we wish to operate our football program.

A week-long evaluation of the matter was held by the head football coach and all players. A decision was made that in an altercation, anyone leading others from the bench to the playing field will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Any altercation that takes place on the playing field will be handled by game officials.

We wish to thank the community for its outstanding support of Aztec football this past season and in the future.

(Signed)

Fred Miller, Director of Athletics

Al Luginbill, Head Football Coach

Darrell Lewis, Returning Senior Starter

David Lowery, Returning Senior Starter