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In the Utah thread, I mentioned Christian Laettner stomping on UK's Aminu Timberlake, which reminded me of what had to be the worst brawl in an NCAA event. It happened 53 years ago, so long before the advent of the internet. There was film and newspaper reports. It even involved an eventual MLB HOF outfielder, who played basketball for Minnesota. Here's a recap of the brutality that took place in Minneapolis that night (per Wikipedia):
Witte is best known for the incident at the Ohio State–Minnesota game, played at Minnesota on January 25, 1972. According to the Big Ten Conference's review of the game film, Witte appeared to elbow Minnesota guard Bobby Nix as the two teams headed to their locker rooms at halftime. During the second half, Ohio State led 50–44 with 36 seconds to go when 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. 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 four or five punches to Wagar's head.[1]
When order was restored, Minnesota Athletic Director Paul Giel announced the game was over and the Buckeyes were a 50–44 victor, prompting Minnesota fans to boo and throw objects as Witte was carried from the floor. Hospitalized for several days, including 24 hours in intensive care, Witte's injuries included 29 facial stitches and a scarred cornea. In all, three Ohio State players were taken to hospitals.
Witte is best known for the incident at the Ohio State–Minnesota game, played at Minnesota on January 25, 1972. According to the Big Ten Conference's review of the game film, Witte appeared to elbow Minnesota guard Bobby Nix as the two teams headed to their locker rooms at halftime. During the second half, Ohio State led 50–44 with 36 seconds to go when 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. 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 four or five punches to Wagar's head.[1]
When order was restored, Minnesota Athletic Director Paul Giel announced the game was over and the Buckeyes were a 50–44 victor, prompting Minnesota fans to boo and throw objects as Witte was carried from the floor. Hospitalized for several days, including 24 hours in intensive care, Witte's injuries included 29 facial stitches and a scarred cornea. In all, three Ohio State players were taken to hospitals.