The Sun Belt fined the Marshall Thundering Herd $100,000 for opting out of the Independence Bowl in December.
Louisiana Tech replaced Marshall in their game against Army and they lost 27-6 to Army.
“While the conference recognizes the medical model and best practice guidance that Marshall adheres to, as well as its fundamental concern for the health and safety of the remaining student-athletes eligible to compete in a safe and viable manner, the nature and the timing of this decision was detrimental to the Sun Belt Conference and its members, to the Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” 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 stood by the decision to opt out of the game.
“In good conscience, we couldn’t get 41 student-athletes out on that field. And again, we’re always going to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Spears said. “But that does not mean that a sincere and formal apology is not necessary.”
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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 its final seven games to win the Sun Belt championship.
Instead of playing Army in the bowl game, head coach Charles Huff dropped Marshall because he was too far away from a contract extension with the school.
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 the head coaching position at Southern Miss. More than 25 players jumped into the transfer portal over his departure, causing Marshall to withdraw from the game.
Marshall hired NC State offensive coordinator Tony Gibson to be his new head coach.
