Missouri Comets defender Andre Braithwaite has been released from the team after he angrily headbutted an opponent following a 10-7 playoff loss to the Baltimore Blast.
Blast captain Pat Healy suffered a 2-inch gash on his forehead after he was blindsided and knocked out by Mr. Braithwaite in what Baltimore Blast owner Ed Hale said turned into “a full blown riot,” a local NBC affiliate reported.
The team’s official Twitter account tweeted Monday: “The Comets organization announces that Andre Braithwaite has been released from the team effective immediately.”
Mr. Hale said the Comets would be filing criminal charges against Mr. Braithwaite, adding that his release from the team is not enough.
In a video posted to YouTube, Mr. Braithwaite is seen quickly approaching Mr. Healy, who is talking to another Comets player. Mr. Braithwaite headbutts Mr. Healy, knocking him to the ground where he remained for several minutes. In the video, Mr. Braithwaite is seen scurrying off while the rest of the players try to figure out what happened.
Comets coach Vlatko Andonovski said after the game: “I did not see it, but if he did, I sincerely apologize to the whole Baltimore organization and the league and anyone who saw it because that’s not who I am or who this organization is.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.