HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Elizabeth Lambert is continuing to get plenty of press (including Monday’s Today Show), but for all the wrong reasons.
The University of New Mexico women’s soccer player has been suspended indefinitely following her aggressive play in the school’s 1-0 loss to BYU last Thursday in the Mountain West Conference semifinals. The showdown featured plenty of physical action by Lambert, including one instance where she yanked BYU forward Kassidy Shumway to the ground by her hair.
Effective immediately, Lambert is prohibited from participating in all team practices, competition and conditioning activities.
“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 that 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, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship,” said University of New Mexico head women’s soccer coach Kit Vela.
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said he was pleased that swift action had been taken against Lambert.
“It’s an unfortunate incident that occurred in the game Thursday afternoon,” Holmoe said. “The University of New Mexico and the Mountain West Conference have reviewed the situation and have acted appropriately … I am pleased with his immediate response to the matter.”
The incident continues to receive national attention, including a segment this morning on the Today Show that featured responses from several young players and parents.
Should the NCAA ban Lambert, a junior, from returning to the game? Click here to vote in our watercooler poll.
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvEobeNfGcc&feature=related]
