What did Jamirah Shutes do? Memphis basketball player sucker punch controversy explored

Memphis women's basketball player Jamirah Shutes pled not guilty to assault charges filed by the Bowling Green State University Police Department. Shutes appeared to have sucker punched Bowling Green player Elissa Brett after their Super 16 matchup last week.

The incident happened after Bowling Green defeated Memphis 73-60 in their Women's NIT game last Thursday. Both teams were in the handshake line when Shutes stopped to talk to Brett. After a few seconds, Shutes appeared to hit Brett, who fell to the ground.

Memphis officials intervened and immediately escorted their star player off the court. The two players were involved in two separate physical plays during the game. Shutes received an errant elbow from Brett in the first half and retaliated in the second half.

The incident took place at Stroh Center, the home court of the Bowling Green Falcons. The university later announced that their police department was investigating the incident before filing charges against Jamirah Shutes a day later.

"Following Thursday's unwarranted physical incident after the WNIT home game, the Bowling Green State University Police Department has charged a member of the Memphis Women's Basketball team with assault," BGSU's statement said.

"Additionally, BGSU Athletics is conducting its own review. Violence is never acceptable and our priority remains the health, safety and support of our student-athlete, who is recovering and doing well. This is an active investigation in conjunction with the City of Bowling Green Prosecutor, and no further comment is available at this time."

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Jamirah Shutes to appear in court for a hearing next month

Jamirah Shutes of Memphis (Photo: Memphis Athletics)

Jamirah Shutes pled not guilty to assault charges filed by the Bowling Green State University Police Department, per TMZ Sports. Shutes' attorney, Steven Crossmock, submitted the plea on behalf of his client in an Ohio court.

However, Crossmock did not comment on the case. Shutes is expected to appear in court for a hearing next month. Memphis also released a statement regarding the incident.

"The incident that occurred following Thursday's women's basketball game was extremely unfortunate and certainly not consistent with, or representative of, our expectations for our programs and student-athletes," the Memphis athletic department said.

"Because the incident occurred after the game, jurisdiction falls in the hands of local authorities, and we are cooperating fully with their process."

Shutes was Memphis' leading scorer this season, averaging 15.3 points per game. She was also named All-AAC second team. Meanwhile, Elissa Brett was an All-MAC first team after averaging 14.7 ppg and 6.0 rpg in her senior year.