Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
Elizabeth Lambert, a junior defender for New Mexico, has become an Internet celebrity for the wrong reasons.
Lambert says her actions in BYU match "were uncalled for": Elizabeth Lambert, a junior defender for New Mexico, has become an Internet celebrity for the wrong reasons.
Lambert was suspended from the team indefinitely Friday for her infractions the day before during a 1-0 loss to Brigham Young in a Mountain West Conference semifinal. Lambert is seen in video from the match throwing elbows, colliding with several players and yanking the ponytail of BYU player Kassidy Shumway; Shumway went crashing to the ground.
"My actions were uncalled for," Lambert said in a statement released by New Mexico officials. "I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation."
Lambert's actions brought unprecedented — and unwanted — attention to the Mountain West women's tournament.
"Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship," New Mexico coach Kit Vela said.
Lambert was the only player to be penalized in the match. The highlights showed the match was physical in both directions, including an elbow to Lambert's ribs by a BYU player during a dead ball. Lambert responded with an elbow to the back.
"This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player I am," Lambert said in her apology.
I was hoping they would kiss