A conflict that bled into the postgame handshake line of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament is now being investigated by police.
While Bowling Green defeated Memphis, 73-60, in the WNIT Super 16, the headlines will, unfortunately, be focused elsewhere.
Following the game, Memphis senior and leading scorer Jamirah Shutes stopped in the handshake line before shaking hands with Bowling Green senior Elissa Brett. The two had a heated exchange, which turned ugly quickly as Shutes reached out and struck Brett in the head.
Shutes was removed almost immediately from the situation by a Memphis assistant coach, but the damage was already done.
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
It’s unclear what words were exchanged that provoked Shutes to attack Brett in the handshake line. What is clear, though, is while it may have seemed unprovoked on the surface, there were multiple incidents between the two players during Thursday’s game.
According to USA Today Sports, Brett and Shutes were involved in an incident towards the end of the first quarter. Shutes was being double-teamed by Brett and Bowling Green teammate Sophie Dzikan, who appeared to hit Shutes in the face inadvertently. But while Dzikan performed the act, Brett was whistled for the foul.
Shutes didn’t return until the start of the third quarter after being shaken up, where another incident happened shortly thereafter.
BGSU's Elissa Brett took an absolute shot/hard elbow from Memphis' Jamirah Shutes. Refs are going to the monitor to take another look, could be upgraded to flagrant or intentional foul.
— Michael Burwell (@Michael_Burwell) March 23, 2023
Following the incident, Bowling Green released a statement, indicating that the investigation was handed over to University police.
BGSU has released a statement regarding Elissa Brett being hit by a Memphis player in the handshake line after the game: pic.twitter.com/v0zKZuhF0J
— Troy Gingerich (@troy_gingerich) March 24, 2023
“Bowling Green State University Athletics does not make comments about active police investigations,” Bowling Green athletics said in a statement. “Our priority is with the health, safety and support of our student-athletes.”
