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 has followed, as well as their fundamental concern for the health and safety of the remaining eligible student-athletes to compete in a safe and viable manner, the nature and timing of the This decision was detrimental to the Sun Belt Conference and its membership, to Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN 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 withdraw from the game.
“In good conscience, we could not send 41 student-athletes onto that field. And again, we will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Spears said. “But that doesn’t take away from the fact that a sincere and formal apology is forthcoming.”
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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 their final seven games to capture the Sun Belt Championship.
Instead of continuing to play Army in the bowl game, head coach Charles Huff left Marshall when he was far apart on a contract extension with the school.
Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Charles Huff in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. (Joseph Maiorana-Imagn photos)
Huff then left Marshall to take the head coaching job at Southern Miss. More than 25 players jumped onto the transfer portal after his departure, prompting Marshall to retire from the game.
Marshall hired NC State’s offensive coordinator, Tony Gibson, to be their new head coach.
