Alan’s TTIM Stories #56

Someone handed Mark Wager a towel to help stop the bleeding over his eye. Was this the result of a lucky punch during a prize fight? No, it was part of the most disgusting event ever to occur in a college basketball game.

The Ohio State Buckeyes traveled to the home court of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, on January 25, 1972, in a pivotal game affecting the Big Ten title and a possible invitation to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The Buckeyes were ranked 6^th in the nation with the Gophers close at number 16.

When approaching the last minute of the game, the Buckeyes held a slim lead of 50 to 44. The Minnesota team felt the game and championships slipping away.  

Buckeye center, Luke Witte, landed on the floor after being fouled. In a gesture that seemed like an act of sportsmanship was anything but. Corky Talyor held out his hand to help Witte to his feet. As he pulled him up, he violently put his knee in Witte’s groin, sending the center back to the floor writhing in pain.

Both benches cleared, Ohio State players attempted to protect their center. The incident led to an open-season attack on all Ohio State players by other Minnesota players and even Minnesota fans. Punches flew, players were tossed, and heads stomped on.

After an ambulance ride, Luke Witte and Mark Wager were treated in a hospital’s intensive care unit. Witte received 29 stitches to his face. Every player and every coach was affected physically and mentally. Careers were ruined.

How could such a tragic incident occur in a college basketball game?

Minnesota coach Bill Musselman, an Ohio native, employed a coaching style of winning at all costs. Death preferable to losing was the sinister mantra projected by an out-of-control philosophy of competition.

Minnesota players, Corky Taylor and Ron Behagen, were suspended for the rest of the season. Minnesota went on the win the Big Ten Championship. Bill Musselman faced no consequences and took no responsibility for the brawl.  

Why is this story so personal? The question in many minds – what would happen when the two teams met the next year? I was interested enough to be in the stands at St. John Arena on February 10, 1973, as a freshman at The Ohio State University to witness a violence-free basketball game.

It’s time to bring a civilized perspective to sports. After a devastating loss, and I’ve witnessed many, the sun still rises in the morning.

Sources:
The Columbus Dispatch, January 23, 2022,
column by Rob Oller
MPR News
Wikipedia

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Novels by the author include:
Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer,
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