Appalachian State fight: Coach Shawn Clark shares statement over on-field roughness between players after video goes viral
The Appalachian State fight was caught on video as two players seemed to get in a tussle during practice. After the video went viral on social media, coach Shawn Clark shared a statement on the incident. He termed the behavior "completely unacceptable" and said that it won't be tolerated within the Mountaineers football program.
A defensive player, who hasn't been named, was caught on camera ripping a teammate’s helmet off during practice. The player in question then took a swing at his teammate, making matters all the worse. It is reported that the Mountaineers will initiate internal disciplinary action against the player.
Here is what Coach Clark had to say about the Appalachian State fight video and the players involved.
"This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the App State football program,” he said in a statement.
The Appalachian State fight drew comparisons with an incident between Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph in 2019. He ripped off Rudolph’s helmet during a game and was suspended by the league.
Garrett missed six games, meaning a loss of $1.2 million in pay. He also paid a $45,623 fine. While the punishment for the Appalachian State situation might not be as severe, Clark has made it clear that action will be taken.
Appalachian State fight is not the only time football players came to blows in practice this week
The Appalachian State fight wasn't the only time teammates came to blows during practice this week. On Wednesday, a video surfaced showing scenes at the Seattle Seahawks training camp. Wide receiver DK Metcalf swung at a teammate with his helmet. Here is the video of the incident.
The Seahawks haven't issued a statement regarding the action they intend to take on the Metcalf incident. It is also unclear who was on the receiving end of the helmet swing. Emotions have been high in football practices all around.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers will try to get a better record than they achieved last season. Clark's boys ended the year with a 9-5 record. They lifted the Cure Bowl trophy after overcoming the Miami Redhawks 13-9. But to achieve more, they need to be united.