Mike Richardson Dismissed by Texas A&M After Sideline Incidents in Liberty Bowl

Former Texas A&M football player and student assistant coach Mike Richardson has been dismissed from the program following two separate incidents in which he was seen striking opposing players during the Aggies' 45-37 victory over West Virginia in the 2014 Liberty Bowl.     

According to Brent Zwerneman of The Houston Chronicle, Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has "permanently dismissed" Richardson from the team:

Zwerneman also posted the full statement from Sumlin regarding Richardson's dismissal on TwitLonger.com:

"

Upon returning to College Station last night, I had the opportunity to gather information and watch clips of one of our student assistant coaches initiating physical contact on two separate occasions with a West Virginia player. I am extremely disappointed and embarrassed, as his behavior reflected poorly on our program. 

On behalf of the Texas A&M football program, I want to apologize to Darryl Worley and to Andrew Buie as well as to Coach Holgorsen and the West Virginia family for the inexcusable actions of the student assistant. I removed him from the sideline at halftime of yesterday's game after being informed of the incidents and, after further review, have permanently dismissed him from our football program.

I also want to apologize to the Aggie faithful, as they deserve a program to be proud of, not only in our play, but in the integrity and respect we show on and off the field. This student assistant coach’s actions are not representative of our program.

"

West Virginia cornerback Daryl Worley, who was one of the players struck by Richardson, tweeted out his comments on the situation and hoped it would allow the NCAA to increase rules for sideline etiquette:

"

Regarding the incident with Mike Richardson! pic.twitter.com/vT3V97ryj4

— Daryl Worley #⃣7⃣ (@dworley7) December 30, 2014"

Richardson offered an apology on Twitter to the opposing players, West Virginia and Texas A&M before his fate was decided:

Sumlin didn't allow Richardson back out for the second half of Monday's game after he was made aware of the incidents.

Richardson was not a paid member of the Texas A&M staff, but has been a student assistant with the program since his playing career ended in 2012 due to a spine injury.