Dave Diamond, the attorney representing Michigan State players, has released a statement concerning the altercation that happened in Ann Arbor. He would assert that in fact, it was a Michigan player who started the confrontation and would go on to provide context for his client’s case.

“Newly retained counsel for MSU football player determines that Michigan player started the altercation as well discovering major security failures in Ann Arbor,” the press release noted.

Chris Solari with the Detroit Free Press shared the statement:

 

Despite the initial reports, Diamond argues that the Spartan players have revealed they were reacting to an attack in the tunnel.

“The media has taken the bait from a coach and master victim and his howls at the moon. We have learned that the UM player started the altercation. Eyewitnesses have described it as charging with his helmet and throwing a punch,” said attorney David D. Diamond. He continued, “the justice system is designed for impartiality. The repeated “hail to the victims” song and dance does not cotribute to the fact-finding mission…The hypocrisy is painful. While we acknowledge wrongdoing by all parties, this is not an incident that warrants criminal charges being filed.”

The Spartans suspended 8 players in the following weeks of the incident and have made several statements ensuring the program’s willingness to work with the authorities.