Enos removes four players as captains on football team after reprimand from MAC


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Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University football players face off during the Chippewas

Following a public reprimand from the Mid-American Conference for an incident before Saturday's 32-20 loss to Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University head football coach Dan Enos has announced the removal of four players as captains from the team. 

Wide receiver Titus Davis, linebacker Justin Cherocci, offensive lineman Andy Phillips and defensive lineman Leterrius Walton, all seniors, issued a collective public apology Monday evening for refusing to shake the hands of Western Michigan University football captains before Saturday's game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

"What we did was disrespectful," their statement reads. "We have reached out to coach Fleck and director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard today and apologized for our actions. We also apologize to our teammates, coaches and the entire university for not showing the leadership that is true CMU.”

Enos, meanwhile, said he and the rest of the team do not condone the senior captains' actions. 

"Our rivalry with Western Michigan is intense, but it must always be built on respect for each other’s programs," Enos said. "This action took the rivalry too far, and I want to apologize [to] WMU coaches and student-athletes." 

Jon Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner said after conducting an investigation into the incident, conference officials determined the four Chippewas had violated the league's sportsmanship policy. 

"While the pre-game handshake is a simple gesture, it is one that is symbolic of the ethics and traditions of the game," he said. "Team captains are expected to demonstrate leadership and have a responsibility to pattern behavior that exemplifies the very best values of the team and institution they represent.”

Dave Heeke, CMU Athletics Director also shared his disappointment in the four senior leaders. 

"I have spoken with our captains and made it clear that we do not condone this act of poor sportsmanship," Heeke said. "I apologize to Western Michigan President [Dr.] John Dunn, Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard, football head coach P.J. Fleck and the entire WMU football program for the behavior of our captains on Saturday .”

The Chippewas (7-5) find out if they have been selected to play in a Bowl Game on Sunday, Dec. 7.

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About Dominick Mastrangelo

Dominick Mastrangelo is the Editor in Chief of Central Michigan Life. Contact him at: editor@cm-life.com 

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