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Memphis Guard Charged with Assault After Sucker-Punching Opposing Player
Charges Filed Against Memphis Guard Jamirah Shutes
Memphis guard Jamirah Shutes has been charged with assault for allegedly punching Bowling Green player Elissa Brett as the two teams lined up for handshakes following the Falcons’ third-round victory in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) on Thursday night, police said.
Police and BGSU Athletics Launch Investigations
“Violence is never acceptable, and our priority remains the health, safety and support of our student-athlete, who is recovering and doing well. This is an active investigation in conjunction with the City of Bowling Green Prosecutor, and no further comment is available at this time.”
Police said BGSU Athletics was also conducting its own review.
Sucker-Punch Leaves Opponent On the Floor
Shutes then sucker-punched Brett, forcing her to the floor, according to police.
A member of the Tigers’ coaching staff appeared to grab Shutes and escort her off the court.
Memphis Issues Statement on the Incident
“The incident that occurred following Thursday’s women’s basketball game was extremely unfortunate and certainly not consistent with, or representative of, our expectations for our programs and student-athletes,” the statement said.
“Because the incident occurred after the game, jurisdiction falls in the hands of local authorities, and we are cooperating fully with their process. To be respectful of that process, we will not comment further until it is complete.”
Jamirah Shutes’ Career Before the Incident
A Tennessee native, Shutes became the 27th player in program history to score 1,000 points. She ranks 13th at the school all-time in career points.
Fox News Reporter Covering the Latest on the Incident
Paulina Dedaj is a Sports Reporter for Fox News Digital.
Credit: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/memphis-jamirah-shutes-charged-assault-sucker-punching-bgsus-elissa-brett-handshake-line