Miami’s Mark Fletcher Jr. was caught on camera throwing a shocking punch at an Indiana opponent in the aftermath of their national championship game on Monday night.
Footage broadcast by ESPN well after the game had concluded showed the Hurricanes’ Fletcher Jr. launching a punch at Tyrique Tucker of the Hoosiers.
The incident appeared to happen immediately after the game had finished but it remains unclear what sparked it.
Running back Fletcher Jr. continued to pursue Tucker on the field before a member of Miami staff managed to drag him away from trouble.
It was a sour end to what was a brilliant night that ended with the Hoosiers being crowned national champions for the first time in their history with a 27-21 victory.
Fletcher Jr. did all he could to prevent Miami losing, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 112 yards.
Miami player Mark Fletcher Jr. was caught on camera throwing a punch at an Indiana opponent
Footage broadcast by ESPN showed the Hurricanes’ star launching a punch at Tyrique Tucker
A member of Miami staff managed to get him away from trouble eventually in unsavory scenes
It remains to be seen what caused the incident between Fletcher Jr. and Tucker
But it wasn’t to be as Fernando Mendoza bulldozed himself into the end zone in the fourth quarter to seal victory for the Hoosiers.
Fletcher Jr.’s behavior after the game came after fans watching on at home accused Miami of going too far physically.
Dave Portnoy led the fury as fans called out the Hurricanes’ Jakobe Thomas for his violent hit on Indiana quarterback Mendoza.
During the first quarter, Mendoza faked a run before handing the ball off to his teammate. But as he stepped to his left, Thomas hit Mendoza purposely in the facemask with his helmet.
It was a shockingly late and brutal hit that left Mendoza on the turf in pain. When he eventually got back to his feet, blood started to pour from the Hoosiers quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner’s mouth.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was furious with the officials as he walked off for half time, telling ESPN: ‘There are three personal fouls on the quarterback not called on one drive that need to be called because they’re obvious personal fouls.
‘I’m all for letting them play but when you cross the line you’ve got to call it. They were black and white calls.’