New Mexico suspends hair-pulling soccer player

What began as a physical — and sometimes brutal — women's soccer match between top-seeded BYU and fourth-seeded New Mexico in Thursday's Mountain West Conference semifinals exploded into a national story on Friday because of the performance of Lobo junior defender Elizabeth Lambert.

The New Mexico backline starter was caught numerous times on The mtn.'s broadcast of the game performing questionable actions, including punching, kicking, hard tackling and – most famously – throwing Cougar junior forward Kassidy C. Shumway to the ground by the hair.

"Conference games are physical, and unfortunately things happened," said BYU head women's soccer coach Jennifer Rockwood after practice on Friday. "There was a lot of emotion because both teams were playing for a shot at a championship."

The violent actions drew the attention of viewers both at national sports organizations like ESPN and on the Internet. Thousands of people have viewed various versions of the events on the popular Web site YouTube.

The New Mexico response to the incidents came quickly early Friday, as the university issued a press release announcing that Lobo head coach Kit Vela had suspended Lambert indefinitely.

It included an apology from Lambert for her performance and a statement by Vela:

"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 who 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," Vela said, "but in this instance, her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship."

The MWC quickly followed up that announcement with a statement that it endorsed the disciplinary actions taken by New Mexico and lauded the school for the quick and decisive manner in which it was handled.

The conference also said that it would "continue its internal review of the overall dynamic involved in the match" but that it would not make any further statements.

BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe also released a statement, saying he had been in contact with New Mexico athletic director Paul Krebs and that he thought the issue was handled promptly and correctly.

How the suspension will affect Lambert's future with the Lobos is unclear, since the team most likely ended its season with its 1-0 loss to BYU.

The Cougars, on the other hand, have a game to play today, and they are trying to not let the national attention keep their focus from battling San Diego State for the tournament title.

"The important thing is not letting it become a distraction," Rockwood said.

"We've been working for three months to have a chance to play for the championship. We need to move on and just focus on that."

The MWC championship between BYU and San Diego State will take place today beginning at noon at South Field in Provo.