Marshall Football Fined Six Figures for Withdrawing from Bowl Game
Marshall football, coming off a strong 10–3 season capped by a Sun Belt championship, was originally set to face Army in the Independence Bowl. However, a series of coaching changes and player departures led to the Thundering Herd pulling out of the game two weeks before it was scheduled to be played on December 14.
The school cited concerns over player health and safety, as numerous players opted out or transferred, leaving the roster in disarray. Despite understanding the situation, the Sun Belt Conference decided to impose a $100,000 fine on Marshall for the late withdrawal.
In a statement, the conference acknowledged Marshall’s commitment to player safety but noted the timing and impact of the decision. “While the conference acknowledges the medical model and best practice guidance adhered to by Marshall, as well as their fundamental concern for the health and safety of the remaining eligible student-athletes… the nature and timing of this decision was detrimental to the Sun Belt Conference and its membership, to Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” the statement read.
Marshall’s coach, Charles Huff, led the team to a conference title but had been in contract disputes with the university. Huff left for Southern Miss, a team that had a disappointing 1–11 season, with a contract offering him $950,000 annually. He said of his departure, “At the end of it, they felt going in another direction was the right decision… It was a mutual decision. It wasn’t a knock down, drag out.”
After Huff’s exit, more than 25 Marshall players opted out, contributing to the decision to withdraw from the bowl game. Due to a quick turnaround, no 5–7 teams stepped in to replace them, and Louisiana Tech eventually faced Army, with the Black Knights securing a 27–6 victory to finish their season at 12–2.
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