Let’s go to the tape.
Elizabeth Ann Lambert is a 21 year old junior at the University of New Mexico. During the Lobo’s soccer semi-final match against BYU, she was video taped acting more like a WWE wrestler than a college soccer star.
She is seen yanking the long hair of BYU forward Kassidy Shumway, throwing the opposing player to the ground motionless. It is not the only violence on tape, just the most shocking.
Lambert has been suspended indefinitely by the league and her college. She released a statement of apology:
"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."
It was a close match, with BYU winning 1-0 in the end. BYU advances to the conference final with the win.
At the time of this story, the You Tube video had been seen more than 725,000 times. It has created an Internet sensation.
Pretty shocking video. Elizabeth pulling the Kassidy’s hair was more like criminal assault than unsportsmanlike actions. There could have been a serious head or neck injury from this action. Elizabeth needs to be thrown out of athletic program and criminal assault charges need to be filed against her. University sports do not need the likes of her, and she should be made an example of what will not be tolerated. Her apology is lame because of the consequences she faces from her actions. What if her actions paralyzed or killed someone?
Boys will be boys.