by Sam Greene |

(The News Record/Sam Greene)

Like everyone watching the Crosstown Shootout on Saturday, I was horrified by the brawl that erupted in the waning seconds of the game.

I took some comfort in the strong reaction exhibited by Coach Cronin in the aftermath, but was extremely disappointed when the suspensions were announced on Sunday.

Six games is a laughably light punishment especially for Yancy Gates, who punched at least two Xavier players, and Cheikh Mbodj, who stomped on Kenny Frease’s face after he was already on the ground.

A kick to the face of a downed opponent isn’t even a legal move in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The University of Cincinnati basketball program has had a horrible reputation for years, and it’s unfortunate the university has no real interest in cleaning things up.

Andy Walko graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.