Texas A&M Student Coach Says 'Heat of the Moment' Led to Shoving Players
Michael Richardson posted an apology online today.
— -- The Texas A&M student assistant football coach who was seen pushing and shoving two different players on the opposing team at Monday's Liberty Bowl game has apologized via Twitter.
Michael Richardson posted a lengthy message this afternoon, saying that "something like this was never my intention."
Richardson was seen physically hitting two different West Virginia University players during the course of Monday's football game, and when a recording of the incidents was posted online, it prompted an immediate social media backlash.
"In the heat of the moment of yesterday's game I did lose myself with everything going on," he wrote in a picture of a text attached to the tweet.
"To the players involved I do apologies [sic] for the ignorance I displayed and there was nothing personal with the actions I made on that sideline yesterday. To the school, fans, and friends of WVU my actions were uncalled for and it was very disrespectful to y'all and the game I love so dearly. And for every Aggie I let down I know that is not how an Aggie acts no if ands or buts about it [sic]," the post read.
Brad Marquardt, the associate director for the team's media relations, told ESPN that when head coach Kevin Sumlin "was made aware" of the incidents before the game had ended, Richardson "was told to remain in the locker room for the remainder of the game."
The Texas A&M 'Aggies' ended up winning the game, 45-37.