Pacific 12 Conference punishes 10 for fight during UCLA-Arizona game

The Pacific 12 Conference has suspended 10 players for their involvement in a sidelines-clearing fight just before halftime of the UCLA-Arizona game Thursday night in Tucson.

UCLA senior receiver Taylor Embree and Arizona sophomore cornerback Shaquille Richardson, who were ejected from the game by officials for unsportsmanlike conduct and fighting, will receive one-game suspensions.

The most penalized player was Bruins sophomore defensive tackle Cassius Marsh, who will have to sit out two games.

Three other UCLA wide receivers, sophomores Ricky Marvray and Shaquelle Evans and junior Randall Carroll, were suspended for one game. Sophomore guard Alberto Cid received a half-game suspension.

Other Arizona players and their suspensions: freshman defensive back Jourdon Grandon (one game), junior safety Mark Watley (half-game) and senior cornerback Lyle Brown (half-game).

“The conference is extremely disappointed in the actions of the student-athletes involved in this incident,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “It is unacceptable behavior and violated conference rules, as well as NCAA fighting rules. I have taken these actions today because it is imperative that we hold our student-athletes and coaches to the highest standards of sportsmanship.”

The fight occurred with four seconds left in the first half of Arizona’s 48-12 victory.

With Arizona leading, 42-7, Embree and Richardson exchanged heated words. Richardson, a one-time UCLA commitment, shoved Embree. Carroll and Evans retaliated and players from both sidlines rushed the field and several altercations broke out. Marsh was among a group of players who escalated the brawl.

UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel expressed regret for the incident and said the Bruins respected the penalties.

“As a program, we certainly do not condone the actions of our student-athletes involved, no matter what circumstances they found themselves in at the time,” Neuheisel said in a statement.

“I am very disappointed with their actions. I told each and every one of our players as much in the locker room, both at halftime, and at the conclusion of the game. Everyone here understands the expectations and responsibilities we share, and that representing UCLA on the field of play is a privilege.”

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--Dan Loumena and Chris Foster

Photo: UCLA receiver Taylor Embree hauls in a touchdown pass against Oregon State during the first half of a game Sept. 24 in Corvallis, Ore. Credit: Don Ryan / Associated Press