Conference fines Marshall over withdrawal from college football bowl game

The Sun Belt imposed a fine Marshall thundering flock $100,000 to exit the Independence Bowl in December.

Louisiana Tech replaced Marshall in their game against Army and lost to Army 27-6.

“While the Conference recognizes the medical model and best practice guidance followed by Marshall and its fundamental concern for the health and safety of the remaining eligible student-athletes to compete in a safe and viable manner, the manner and “The decision was damaging to the Sun Belt Conference and its members, Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” the Sun Belt said in a statement.

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General view of a Marshall Thundering Herd 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 the decision to pull out of the game.

“In good conscience we could not put 41 student-athletes on that field. And again, we will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Spears said. “But that doesn’t change the fact that a sincere and formal apology is due.”

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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 the final seven games to win the Sun Belt championship.

Instead of playing in the bowl game against Army, head coach Charles Huff left Marshall as a contract extension with the school was far from his grasp.

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Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Charles Huff in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. (Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images)

Huff then left Marshall to take the head coaching job Southern Miss. More than 25 players jumped into the transfer portal because of his departure, which led to Marshall withdrawing from the game.

Marshall was hired NC States Offensive coordinator Tony Gibson will be their new head coach.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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