The Sun Belt imposed the fine 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 to Army 27-6.
“While the conference recognizes the medical model and best practice guidelines that Marshall employs, 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 this This decision was detrimental to the Sun Belt Conference and its membership, to the military, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” the 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 supported the decision to opt out of the game.
“We could not in good conscience put 41 student-athletes on that field. And again, we will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Spears said. “But that does not alter the fact that a sincere and formal apology is appropriate.”
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Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Charles Huff watches 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 left Marshall because he was spaced out due to a contract extension with the school.
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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 job Southern Madam. More than 25 players entered the transfer portal due to his departure, causing Marshall to withdraw from the game.
Marshall hired NC State offensive coordinator, Tony Gibson, to become their new head coach.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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