Always clamoring for attention, the Mid-American Conference suddenly has it — though not in the form it would like.
Two assistant coaches at Miami of Ohio were suspended with pay by the school Wednesday, hours after one was arrested for assault and the other admitted he had a hand in wrecking the visitor’s coaching box at Marshall University Football Stadium on Tuesday night. The RedHawks fell to Marshall 36-34 in the final seconds.
After a back judge called the RedHawks for two pass-interference penalties in the end zone — including one on fourth down — Miami gave up a 1-yard touchdown run with 5 seconds left.
On Wednesday afternoon, Miami suspended defensive coordinator Jon Wauford and linebackers coach Taver Johnson with pay. Wauford was led from the stadium in handcuffs after allegedly shoving a Marshall fan to the turf. The fan had come onto the field to celebrate Marshall’s comeback. Wauford was arrested on a charge of battery, a misdemeanor.
In a statement, MAC Commissioner Rick Chryst said the league “greatly” regretted the incident.
“Unfortunately, the great competitive and sportsmanlike efforts… have been overshadowed by this incident, and we must collectively commit ourselves that this never again happen in the Mid-American Conference,” said Chryst, whom wire services reported witnessed Wauford’s arrest.
The game was televised nationally by ESPN.
Wauford was released from jail early Wednesday after posting $5,000 bail. A court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13.
The fan, Robert Flaugher, 36, was treated at a hospital and released. He was among thousands of fans who stormed the field moments after Marshall scored the winning touchdown.
West Virginia State Police said Wauford shoved Flaugher, who fell and struck his head on the artificial turf. He was taken away on a stretcher with what was diagnosed as a concussion.
Flaugher’s brother, Todd, said neither he nor his brother used foul or abusive language toward Miami players or coaches.
“He was waving goodbye to Miami’s players,” Todd Flaugher said. “The coach basically hit him with a forearm. That knocked him flat. His head definitely hit first on the turf.”
Johnson’s suspension is tied to damage done to the visiting coaches box. A desk was ruined, and chairs were thrown through walls, school officials said.
“I don’t want to prejudge our investigation,” Miami President James Garland said. “But I have to tell you, as president, to see one of my coaches led away in handcuffs was one of the most difficult things I’ve seen since I’ve been here. We justify our support of athletics because of the message that it sends about character. These events suggest that we’ve fallen short of our goal.”
Miami of Ohio said it would pay for the damage to the coaches box.