Sun Belt punished Marshall Thundering Herd $100,000 to sit out the Independence Bowl in December.
Louisiana Tech replaced Marshall in the game against Army and lost 27-6 to Army.
“While the conference recognizes the medical model and best practice guidelines that Marshall adheres to, as well as their fundamental concern for the health and safety of the remaining eligible student-athletes to compete in a safe and sustainable manner, the nature and timing of this decision was detrimental to the Sun Belt Conference and its membership, for the military, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” the Sun Belt statement said.
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A general view of the Marshall Thundering Herd’s helmet in the first quarter against the Connecticut Huskies in the Myrtle Beach Bowl at Brooks Stadium. (David Yeazell-USA Today Sports)
Despite the fine, Marshall athletic director Christian Spears said he stands by his decision to retire.
“In good conscience, we couldn’t put 41 student-athletes out on that field. And again, we will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Spears said. “But that doesn’t take away from the fact that a sincere and formal apology is needed.”
BILL BELICHICK’S GIRLFRIEND APPEARS TO DISMISS RUMORS THAT COACH WILL LEAVE NORTH CAROLINA FOR NFL
Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Charles Huff looks on during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. (Rob Kinnan-USA Today Sports)
Marshall went 10-3 in the regular season, including winning its last seven games to win the Sun Belt championship.
Instead of continuing to play Army in a bowl game, head coach Charles Huff left Marshall because they were far apart due to a contract extension with the school.
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Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Charles Huff during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. (Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images)
Huff then left Marshall to take over as head coach southern lady. More than 25 players jumped into the transfer portal due to his departure, which caused Marshal to retire from the game.
Marshall hired NC States offensive coordinator, Tony Gibson, to be their new head coach.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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