Memphis senior guard Jamirah Shutes has been charged with assault after an ugly incident in which she allegedly sucker-punched an opponent in the face.
The incident occurred after a playoff game in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The teams were attempting to shake hands when the altercation occurred.
BGSU women’s basketball moving on to the final 8 of the WNIT after beating Memphis — but this will steal the headlines unfortunately.
Ugly, ugly scene in the handshake line. A Memphis player punched Elissa Brett. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/2hptXYBEtj
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) March 24, 2023
Bowling Green State University police less than 24 hours after the incident.
Despite the video evidence, Shutes has pleaded not guilty in court to the assault charge.
Bowling Green Falcons guard Elissa Brett was assisted off of the court after the punch.
The university said, “Following Thursday’s unwarranted physical incident after the WNIT home game, the Bowling Green State University Police Department has charged a member of the Memphis Women’s Basketball team with assault.”
The Tigers lost to the Bowling Green State University Falcons.
“Additionally, BGSU Athletics is conducting its own review,” the university said in its statement. “Violence is never acceptable and our priority remains the health, safety and support of our student-athlete, who is recovering and doing well.”
“This is an active investigation in conjunction with the City of Bowling Green Prosecutor, and no further comment is available at this time,” the university said.
Memphis guard Jamirah Shutes has been charged with assault after appearing to punch Bowling Green’s Elissa Brett following the Falcons’ WNIT victory over the Tigers https://t.co/a1mRtG5jNC
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 24, 2023
