Does anyone remember Luke Witte

[TheOUTLAW]

The thread about Birds fight with Dr J etc. reminded me of this incident in Minnesota. Just wanted to educate those that didn't know and remind those that did. This is why Basketball comes down hard on players for fighting.

In the Ohio State-Minnesota game, played at Minnesota on January 25, 1972, Ohio State led 50-44 with 36 seconds to go. Witte went for a layup but was fouled hard. Immediately following the foul, Minnesota player Corky Taylor extended an arm to help Witte up, then kneed Witte in the groin and punched him in the head. While on the floor, he was also kicked and stomped by Minnesota player Ron Behagen, knocking him unconscious.

In the Ohio State-Minnesota game, played at Minnesota on January 25, 1972, Ohio State led 50-44 with 36 seconds to go. Witte went for a layup but was fouled hard. Immediately following the foul, Minnesota player Corky Taylor extended an arm to help Witte up, then kneed Witte in the groin and punched him in the head. While on the floor, he was also kicked and stomped by Minnesota player Ron Behagen, knocking him unconscious.

What followed was an extended brawl that included fans leaving the stands and joining in. Witte's teammate, Dave Merchant, attempted to come to his aid, but was struck in the face several times by Gopher Jim Brewer. Another Buckeye, Mark Wagar (currently the President of Empire BlueCross BlueShield in New York), was attacked from behind by Minnesota player -- and future Major League Baseball Hall of Famer -- Dave Winfield, who landed five punches into Wagar's face.

[wizardg]

I saw that game in black and white in my bedroom. Not the whole game but the crazy part.

What sticks out in my mind is that no one did anything. Refs, players nobody.
Reading that article seems to contradict my memory but no one responded until after Luke was beaten to a pulp. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

Also, I can't remember why they attacked him. There was a reason, not appropriate to Minny players response, but there was a reason.

I saw the Rudy T Kermit game and this was much much much worse from a perspective of intent, not result. Kermit reacted to someone running up behind him while he was in a fight. It just so happened he had a right like George Foreman.

Brewer and Behangen and the other guy planned to hurt Witte at some point in the second half. I can't prove it but as I remember it, it was an obvious collaberation.

Thanks for making me remember that I'm 50 years old .... lolol

[TheOUTLAW]

What really sucks is the Brewer and Witte ended up being teammates on the Cavs for some time.

Here is the video of the beginning of the fight. Although from what I've heard Witte was actually thrown into the stands to be beaten by MInnesota fans as well.

[Icness]

This happened about 8 months before I was born, but my dad still talks about it whenever he sees a thug-like foul. He always talks about how Witte never really recovered and how it changed his game.

I'm not seeing the link Outlaw. Though I have seen it before.

[TheOUTLAW]

Oops, yeah I didn't post it. Here you go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxnCY0CZ1pE