While no charges have been filed as of yet, head coach Les Miles lashed out at his LSU players who were involved in a bar fight very early Friday morning.
Using words like “unacceptable” and “miserable”, as well as apologizing to the community and the program’s fans for the incident, Miles spoke publicly for the first time on the incident involving his players -- he did release a statement Saturday -- and expressed deep dissatisfaction with what transpired two days ago.
“I can tell you that the last couple of days have been miserable for us, that we’ve been involved in behavior that’s unacceptable to me, certainly unacceptable to our team -- guys that broke team rules and violated curfew,” Miles said. “I can tell you and assure you that this will not happen again. I can tell you that there’s a remorseful team here.
“I personally want to apologize for the actions of my team.”
Starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson had been the only player specifically connected to the fight that ended with four males with injuries that required medical treatment, but Miles mentioned Saturday that starting offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert was involved as well. Miles indicated that all of his players were accounted for at Thursday night’s 10:30 p.m. curfew; the incident at an off-campus bar occurred roughly three hours later. The players involved have already seen internal punishment meted out for breaking curfew.
Police are continuing their investigation into the brawl, although no suspects have been identified. A Baton Rouge Police spokesperson told the Baton Rouge Advocate it’s the department’s “understanding that these four guys that were battered wish to pursue charges against the person or persons responsible.”
Athletic director Joe Alleva released a statement as well, making it clear that, like Miles said, the behavior of the players was unacceptable and cast a negative light on the university as a whole.
“We will not tolerate student-athletes whose irresponsible actions tarnish the good name of a great university,” Alleva’s statement read. “LSU student-athletes are expected to behave with the understanding that they represent their school, their fellow students and the long history of this program, regardless of the time of day,” said Alleva.
“Coach Miles has already begun taking disciplinary action. It is critical that we are deliberate in determining the facts surrounding this incident and as Coach Miles said, when the facts are clear, additional and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if necessary.”
