By Seth Stoker
universe.byu.edu
Thursday night’s matchup between the BYU and New Mexico womens’ soccer teams got ugly, thanks mostly to Lobo soccer player Elizabeth Lambert. Lambert’s actions were caught on camera several times, ranging from tripping an opponent to brutally yanking a BYU player to the ground by her pony tail. The national media has taken notice of the incident, and these highlights appeared on national sports analyst, Dan Patrick’s Web site. (The highlight is about halfway down the page.)
Here’s a press release found on the UNM Web site about last night’s incident:
University of New Mexico head women’s soccer coach Kit Vela announced today that junior defender Elizabeth Lambert has been suspended indefinitely for her actions in Thursday’s match against BYU in the semifinals of the Mountain West Conference Championship in Provo, Utah. Effective immediately, Lambert is prohibited from participating in all team practices, competition and conditioning activities.
“I am deeply and wholeheartedly regretful for my actions,” said Lambert. “My actions were uncalled for. I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary from the coaching staff and UNM administration. This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women’s soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women’s soccer program and its players.”
“Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship,” said Vela. Full story.
Filed under: Bullying, Effects of Bullying | Tagged: Anti-bullying, Brigham Young University, Bullying, Elizabeth Lambert, Kit Vela, University of New Mexico, Woman’s Division One Soccer |
Are we to assume that Kit Vela didn’t see even one of the
several occasions when Lambert assaulted BYU team members?
Are we to assume she wasn’t watching the field?
I think that the evidence is clear. She knew damn well what was going on and was instrumental in concocting the “alligator tears” apology offered by Lambert.
When will Vela be punished? And by the way, where in hell were the referees?
I really cant see what the fuss is about. Footie is a rough game, if you can take a takcle then dont go the pitch