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New Mexico suspends hair-pulling soccer player
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really? | 12:37 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
so what she has to sit out off season practices and conditioning? she should be
suspended for the first 5 games of 2010 one game for each violent conduct she
perpertrated on the BYU players. By the way i am a Ute fan!
Go Cougars | 12:43 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I was at this game. It was physical on both sides and the ref missed a lot of
calls. It's too bad things got out of control.
That's all? | 12:43 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I completely agree with really? She should certainly be suspended for the first
games of 2010. Her conduct was so inappropriate and the worst sportsmanship in
soccer I've ever seen.
Comments continue below
MWC's turn | 12:45 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Now that NM has disciplined the player, it's time for the MWC step forware
and discipline the game officials who allowed this kind of behavior to go on
unchecked during the game!
Conference tournaments typically use the best officials and conference representatives are always present at tournaments. Where is the conference's response?
Conference tournaments typically use the best officials and conference representatives are always present at tournaments. Where is the conference's response?
Suspended indefinitely | 12:45 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Appropriate responses so far from the UNM coach and school. Lambert's
apology is appropriate too: direct and unconditional.
If these actions truly were out of character for her, then it is sad that she has done something that has tarnished her athletic career and her personality for quite a while.
Now let's see what the MWC does to ensure these actions don't happen again.
If these actions truly were out of character for her, then it is sad that she has done something that has tarnished her athletic career and her personality for quite a while.
Now let's see what the MWC does to ensure these actions don't happen again.
KC | 12:48 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
This girl says she let her emotions get the better of her. Really? It appears
she played much of the game intending to injure opposing players. Either way,
her behavior was disgraceful.
Have her coaches explained why they left her in the game? Have the referees explained why she wasn't removed from the field?
Incidentally, it appears BYU's players maintained their cool throughout. Lambert is probably fortunate she didn't try her tricks against a team that is less even-tempered.
Have her coaches explained why they left her in the game? Have the referees explained why she wasn't removed from the field?
Incidentally, it appears BYU's players maintained their cool throughout. Lambert is probably fortunate she didn't try her tricks against a team that is less even-tempered.
Amazing | 12:51 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I'm a Ute fan too...but this is too much.The ESPN analysts called it
"MMA Quality". I'm sure there was some provocative behavior from
the BYU players, but that was ridiculous.
re: really? | 12:56 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
indefinitely can mean forever, without a time limit. I don't think
she's going to be playing soccer for UNM ever again.
Jason | 12:57 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
She should be suspended for more than that. People like this have to be taught
a lesson. A slap on the wrist won't do it. We keep giving sports players
/ athletes leniancy when they certainly need more harsh punishments. I saw what
she did to that poor girl by pulling her pony-tail.....punching and slapping
that other girl on the way down, and tripping and kicking that ball into the
other girl's head. What kind of trash / dirty play is that? It's
like watching a Tyson fight, or the Ravens hit helmet to helmet on every play in
the NFL. She is getting away with murder. She says she's sorry. Why?
Because your coach said you had to say it to be able to play again? She knew
what she was doing and that wasn't the 'heat of battle on the
field.' I'm tired of hearing that. Just like the FL player who tried
to gouge the eyes of the other player. Get real! Sorry? Oh it was in the heat
of the moment. I don't believe that one bit. Take away her right to play
next season and see what happens.
observer | 12:57 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
When I saw the tease for the highlight on ESPN I could have sworn she played for
the Utes :) . . . I mean, would there have even been a question if a dirty
player wore the crimson?? Not at all . . .
Cheap | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Suspended for the rest of the season sounds big and harsh, but it's not --
this was the conference tournament. The season for New Mexico is nearly over at
this point. Put some teeth in the penalty and take her out of some games next
season.
After watching the video, I don't believe a single word of Lambert's apology. What she did was premeditated, nasty, and cheap -- and she did it all game long.
Sorry, girl, but when you play a whole game that way, it *is* indicative of the kind of athlete and soccer player you are. Which is to say you may be an athlete, but a sportswoman, you ain't.
Sad thing is, sometimes coaches tell their players to do this sort of thing--and more often, condone it. Better than suspending her afterward would have been to take her off the field.
After watching the video, I don't believe a single word of Lambert's apology. What she did was premeditated, nasty, and cheap -- and she did it all game long.
Sorry, girl, but when you play a whole game that way, it *is* indicative of the kind of athlete and soccer player you are. Which is to say you may be an athlete, but a sportswoman, you ain't.
Sad thing is, sometimes coaches tell their players to do this sort of thing--and more often, condone it. Better than suspending her afterward would have been to take her off the field.
Anonymous | 12:58 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Like any other match in the world she should have gotten red carded and the
appropriate suspension. A review commission should determine the length of her
punishment, not the coach.
Matt | 1:04 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
close... but no cigar.
She needs to be kicked off the team and barred from NCAA sports period. Punching? Kicking? Hair Pulling? Tripping? If this would have happened in a more high profile sport, like basketball, she'd be out of school. Period.
She needs to be kicked off the team and barred from NCAA sports period. Punching? Kicking? Hair Pulling? Tripping? If this would have happened in a more high profile sport, like basketball, she'd be out of school. Period.
what the? | 1:04 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
If you look closely at the video, BYU player #7 elbows Lambert right in the gut
just before Lambert punches her in the back. Is #7 going to be suspended too?
Illegal | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I am not a litigious person (I would love it if the Dems were brave enough to
add tort reform in their attempt at health care take over)but if I was the
parents of the BYU player that got her head snapped back I would file battery
charges against Lambert.
MosesStone1980 | 1:17 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I would never hit a woman, but this angers me.
JO | 1:18 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The clips shown may be bad. But what happen the other 89 minutes of the game.
Someone doesn't act like that, unless provoked. So, I imagine the byu
players were purposely aggravating her. Is that good sportsmanship? Granted,
Lambert PHYSICALLY retaliated. But I am sure this was a two-way street that was
perpetuated by both sides. There is more than likely more blame to put on
others. But unfortunately "a foul is not a foul, unless the referee blows
their whistle."
unfortunate | 1:29 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Maybe the UNM player was a little out of control. But the elbow to the stomach
from the BYU player needs to addressed as well.
What the... | 1:29 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Well you know what they say, "Like football coach, like soccer
player"...er...something like that. What the heck are they putting in the
water in New Mexico?
I'd blame it on 'roid rage, but the athletic performances have been awful enough to rule out any type of performance enhancing substances. Perhaps they SHOULD start thinking about juicing up. They already have the anger issues, they might as well get the muscles to go with it.
I'd blame it on 'roid rage, but the athletic performances have been awful enough to rule out any type of performance enhancing substances. Perhaps they SHOULD start thinking about juicing up. They already have the anger issues, they might as well get the muscles to go with it.
I missed it | 1:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
What did she do? I totally missed this and am in the dark. Anyone got a link to
it?
Cougarf@n | 1:34 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
It kind of reminded me of the whole Blount incident, but this was during a game.
I'd hope there would be, at a minimum, at least a two or three game
suspension resulting from this. Since this was probably the last game of the
season this should stretch into next year. If she's a senior they should
pull her scholarship.
The game was definitely physical on both sides of the ball, but at least a couple of those cheap shots were just inexusable in every way. Anyone who has ever played competitive soccer knows you take an elbow fighting for position once in a while, but throwing punches and takedowns are just so far over the line it's ridiculous for anyone to say it went both ways.
The game was definitely physical on both sides of the ball, but at least a couple of those cheap shots were just inexusable in every way. Anyone who has ever played competitive soccer knows you take an elbow fighting for position once in a while, but throwing punches and takedowns are just so far over the line it's ridiculous for anyone to say it went both ways.
Gutless admin. @ UNM | 1:35 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
What a joke. Wow she's suspended from conditioning and team activities.
UNM's season is over. She should be suspended for the entire season next
year. She assaulted Shumway and Payne on the field. Her coach, UNM
administration and athletic director are cowards. She should have been kicked
out of school and dismissed from the team. I think something is broken down in
Lobo land. The football coach punches out his assistand and now this player
things she is part of the UNM karate team. Disgusting display.
Courtney | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I am a Utah fan, personally, but I think that BYU has a FAB soccer team. I
think Lambert should be suspended for much longer than that. Her actions were so
uncalled for! I'm a soccer playing myself and know how situations can
become heated, but that is just uncalled for and extremely disrespectful and
unsportsman-like. I have NEVER seen anything like that in my LIFE. I'm
shocked none of the BYU players went after her...I would've, lol. Just
shows that they have respect for the GAME and other people. Good luck BYU. You
took horrid beatings and came out with a win. :)
Grim Reaper | 1:38 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
What a punk. she has no business playing D-1 sports. I just glad we won.
Wouldn't that have been a shame if NM won after cheating like that!
Sally | 1:42 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I have been around competative soccer for years and many different levels. The
issue I have with her statement is that players don't just become very good
at dirty play in the heat of the moment. She is obviuosly practiced and
polished. This looks to me to very much a sign of how she is as a soccer
player. The problem is that many coaches want this type of ultra agressive
player. My players know that dirty play will put you on the bench by me. If
you feel that you need to play dirty to compete then that should be your sign to
work and practice harder so that you can compete WITHIN the rules of the game.
Watched The Game | 1:43 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
While Lambert's actions were over the top and a suspension is appropriate I
have to say the BYU players were not lily white in this whole thing. First,
notice in the ESPN video the BYU player elbow Lambert in the gut first,
prompting her to response by driving an elbow into her back. I don't blame
Lambert a bot for that. That stuff was going on all game long. Second, aside
from the ponytail pulling incident, the referee's are to be blamed for
allowing that level of aggressive play go. A quick yellow early on, not after
several very rough tackles, puts an end to the shenanigan's.
Courtney | 1:44 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
I agree also with her apology being bologne. Her actions show that she was
clearly out to butt heads with people and take players out. I'm so sure
she's going to yank that girl's pony tail like that. What a wretched
little thing. She's the extreme definition of a "sore loser." The
way I see it though; Her actions are going to cost her in the end. When
professional level teams won't accept her because she's
unsportsman-like, she'll really regreat it. She really messed her career up
for herself.
soccer fan | 1:46 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Re "Illegal"
Battery charges seem a little excessive for a little tug on the pony tail. Give Lambert a break.
Battery charges seem a little excessive for a little tug on the pony tail. Give Lambert a break.
re: what the? | 1:46 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Yep, in mild retaliation. Now, how do you explain the other 8 or so cheap shots
the UNM player did. Let me guess....Ute fan? No....really!? Shocking.
That girl should be kicked out of college soccer and owes the entire BYU womens soccer team an apology. How embarassing for her. She clearly has a lot of growing up to do.
That girl should be kicked out of college soccer and owes the entire BYU womens soccer team an apology. How embarassing for her. She clearly has a lot of growing up to do.
Courtney | 1:48 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
"What the?," I noticed that BYU's #7 elbowed her too, however,
Lambert is right on her back pushing and pushing forward. I've pushed my
elbow back a few times myself in these kinds of situations, but, only to let
them know, "hey, i'm here, stop pushing," but Lambert then full
on punches her in the back. That girl needs to get a grip big time. I hear what
you're saying though, but I don't think the little elbow by #7
requires HER to be suspended...
RE; What the? | 1:50 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
If the only thing the #15 did was an elbow to the ribs the video would not be on
ESPN. I am not a BYU fan and I am not saying it is o.k.. But that type of play
is quite common down to about U12. I don't even have a big issue with the
retaliation for the elbow. I would hope she would never be suspended for just
that. The thing that scares me is that you are equating the elbow to absolute
dirty play in which players could have been seriously hurt. Please tell me you
aren't that blind.
To: What the? at 1:04 | 1:50 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The little punch in the back was not what did the damage, when she yanked the
other girls pony tail without provocation and almost took her head off, that was
too much. Not only one incident condemned her, she just couldn't quit.
That's what we call habitual. She deserves punishment whatever it may be.
did i miss something | 1:53 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The article says she has been suspended indefinately. That means without end
folks. She will be suspended next season as well.
Rocj | 1:55 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
This is an incompetent response by a coach who seems to be reacting to the
press, and trying to shift away any responsibility and/or blame she'd have
as a coach. She obviously didn't feel it was so bad during the game, or she
would have pulled the player out after the pony tail incident. And she'd
better not try to claim she didn't see any of the foul play, or she's
even more incompetent than I thought. Yes the player should have known better,
but the coach is responsible for her players actions as well. If a good coach
thought a player was out of hand, she'd pull the player out, tell her to
quit it, and not put the player back in until she'd calmed down. I really
hope the coach doesn't get off here with a 'hey, don't blame me,
I can't control my players' response. Absolutely bush league by the
coach. One or two bad fouls by a player, one can't blame the coach, but so
many repeated incidents, the coach is just as much to blame.
Anon | 1:55 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The hair pulling was clearly assault. It's quite frankly shocking she has
not been brought up on criminal charges. Indefinite suspension is appropriate,
as is a review of her behavior for all previous matches in which she has
participated. I'm going to guess this is not the first time she has
exhibited this type of behavior and it might be appropriate to ban her from all
future NCAA play. Soccer is a rough sport, but that does not condone criminal
behavior. I would also like to see professional athletes brought up on criminal
charges when they assault each other on and off the field, pitch or court.
Calling it a game does not mean we can all suddenly ignore societal laws and
rules governing our behavior. We all have to be held accountable for our
behavior.
Mark | 1:56 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Suspend her? She should be going to jail. The idea that athletes can do
whatever they want as long as they are on the field needs to go. She needs to
spend jail time.
Craig | 1:58 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Oh yeah, that elbow to the gut was ferocious.
Re: wahat the? | 2:02 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
That elbow to Lambert was nothing compared to Lamert's pathetic behavior.
So someone elbows you in the chest, so what! Brush it off and play the game like
lady. Avoid a poor sport rampage, go out with class!
Post Feedback to UNM | 2:02 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
If you go to UNM's website, you can leave a comment (feedback) to the
athletic director. That's what I did. Venting here only makes you more
angry. I said to the AD that Elizabeth Lambert should be kicked off the team
and suspended from school. She should also be fined in my opinion but I
don't think that's allowed in college sports. She doesn't
deserve to play soccer anymore. He style of dirty play is inexcusable for
anyone.
real penalty | 2:04 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
What New Mexico should do is suspend her from the conference tournament next
year That would send a message. Also suspend everyone who writes on these
message boards. Fan behavior is out of control and so are the opinions!
Kathy | 2:05 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
The woman is a psychopath, did you see the look on her face after she hurt that
other player? No emotion at all! I've watched my husband and nieces play
soccer for years; I've never seen anyone dispatch another player like that.
She is sick!
There is | 2:07 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
incidental contact in soccer, including an occassional elbow. But, if
"what the?, thinks #7's behavior is reason for Lamberts actions
you've obviously never payed any team sports, and especially not soccer.
Nothing # 7 did would even have warranted a penalty!!! Oh, BTW I'm a
Nebraska fan...GO HUSKERS!
Soccer Fan | 2:08 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Keep in mind that there are two sides to every game. Unless you were at the
match, you can't really judge what happened or whether her actions were
above and beyond simple retaliation and whether her apology is sincere.
I wonder how the officials missed so many calls and let the game get so far out of hand. I also question why ESPN chose to make an example out of this match, this player. I imagine none of this would be an issue right now if those clips hadn't been chosen and portrayed in that way on Sportscenter.
I wonder how the officials missed so many calls and let the game get so far out of hand. I also question why ESPN chose to make an example out of this match, this player. I imagine none of this would be an issue right now if those clips hadn't been chosen and portrayed in that way on Sportscenter.
refs | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Who were the clowns that refed this match? All of these incidents and they
missed them all expect for the trip in which she was yellow carded.
Mike | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
"This is in no way indicative of my character"
I laughed out loud at that statement. Your actions are basically the only thing that is "indicative of your character."
I laughed out loud at that statement. Your actions are basically the only thing that is "indicative of your character."
Re: what the? | 2:09 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
You're right. Because a mild elbow to the chest is no different than
pulling down another player by her hair, an action that could cause a broken
neck and paralysis.
And if you'll notice, Ms. Lambert retaliated to that chest elbow with a full-fledged punch to the back which was hard enough to cause the BYU player to squirm in pain.
But of course, it's all the Mormon's fault, isn't it?
And if you'll notice, Ms. Lambert retaliated to that chest elbow with a full-fledged punch to the back which was hard enough to cause the BYU player to squirm in pain.
But of course, it's all the Mormon's fault, isn't it?
Anonymous | 2:11 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
She is going to play again and why I think that is the coaches let her play the
game. There wasn't just one or two incidents in the game; there was a whole
string of them. The NM coaches could have pulled her out of the game when they
saw she was getting out of control. They did not. They gave their tacit approval
of what she did. So, unless the conference says she won't play anymore, she
will be back.
Re; I missed it | 2:12 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Uh, there's a link in the story, dude.
Reading, it's Fundamental!
Reading, it's Fundamental!
BYU Player | 2:12 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
While the N.M. player's actions were horrible, the BYU players are not
innocent. As shown on ESPN, the BYU player elbowed the N.M. player in the
stomach. Think anything will happen to the BYU player that resides in
"happy valley?" Of course not.
hmmm | 2:14 p.m. Nov. 6, 2009
Why does playing BYU always bring out the worst in people?
just a thought
just a thought
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