The father and sibling of Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson issued a combined statement on Sunday after footage of their altercation post-game went viral in the wake of the Wildcats’ season-opening defeat to Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
Initially reported by 247Sports, Mark Johnson was captured on video outside the stadium post-game engaged in a scuffle with his eldest son, Anthony Johnson. Tim Fitzgerald notes that no arrests occurred as a result of this incident.
«We genuinely apologize for our behavior following yesterday’s football match in Ireland. Pointless squabbling escalated into an avoidable confrontation,» Mark and Anthony Johnson articulated in a joint statement, as reported by On3. «We have settled our disputes and fully accept responsibility for our actions. We have expressed our regrets to our immediate and extended family, and now broaden our apologies to Kansas State University, its alumni, and supporters.
«We regret this occurrence, have gained insights from it, and are dedicated to ensuring it doesn’t recur. Please accept our sincerest apologies.»
A video clip of the situation shared on social media depicts Johnson’s father straddling his older brother on the ground while multiple Kansas State fans attempt to intervene in the scuffle.
A spectator in the crowd remarks, «Anthony, this is humiliating as ****» just before the two are ultimately separated.
Avery Johnson concluded the game with 273 passing yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State, additionally contributing a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
«I mean that’s the reality, no matter the outcome we have 11 games ahead of us,» Kansas State coach Chris Klieman remarked. «We’re in a tough spot, but now we’ve got to reset and reorganize to prepare for the next match.»
Iowa State secured the season-opening win and a 1-0 start in the Big 12 Conference with a pivotal 4th-and-3 conversion with 2:26 left in Kansas State’s territory. Matt Campbell took a risk with a passing play, allowing Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht to connect with Carson Hansen for a 15-yard completion to seal the victory.
«He devised an excellent play, provided me with two options and allowed me to choose, and I felt confident we would be able to execute it,» Becht stated. «We’ve practiced it and it has been effective for us, and I have faith in my teammates.»
The two teams collectively encountered four fumbles in the first half amid wet, soggy conditions before the Cyclones surged ahead 24-14 in the second half prior to Kansas State’s final push.
«We implemented some exceptional adjustments,» Campbell said. «We recognized certain aspects differently in the initial game, and the opportunity to adjust and the capability to do so, having a staff that has worked together for such an extended period allows us to confidently make those changes.»
