A heated confrontation erupted during Appalachian State’s football practice this week, capturing widespread attention after footage of the incident went viral on social media.
The video, shared on X, shows an intense scuffle between two Mountaineers players that escalated dramatically during an 11-on-11 scrimmage.
In the clip, a player wearing a black No. 12 jersey can be seen engaging in a physical exchange with a teammate in a white No. 73 jersey.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control as the player in black aggressively grabbed his teammate’s facemask and forcibly yanked off his helmet.
What followed shocked many viewers: the defensive player attempted to strike his unprotected teammate with the helmet.
The entire altercation was caught on camera, adding to the intensity of the incident as it went viral on social media.
Appalachian State responded to the incident, though they chose not to disclose the name of the player involved in the attack.
In a statement provided to TMZ Sports, the university confirmed that disciplinary action is being taken against the individual.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the App State football program,” head coach Shawn Clark stated in response to the situation.
The incident has drawn comparisons to a notorious on-field altercation between Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in 2019, where Garrett disgracefully ripped off Rudolph’s helmet and struck him with it.
The fight at Appalachian State comes on the heels of a solid 2023 season for the Mountaineers, who finished with a 9-5 record and secured second place in the Sun Belt East Division.
The team also claimed victory in their postseason bowl game against the Miami RedHawks, winning 13-9.
What are your thoughts on the wild incident? … What type of punishment should the player face???