Two Georgia Tech football players have released statements hours after a video surfaced of the two fighting earlier this year.
The video -- posted by TMZ Sports -- shows Step Durham and Lance Austin fighting inside a Georgia Tech facility.
The student-athletes said the incident happened earlier this season.
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In the video, Durham punches Austin and appears to knock him out. Austin then collapses to the ground and Durham tries to pick him up.
Durham provided the following statement to Channel 2 Action News: "First off, I would like to start by apologizing to Georgia Tech, my teammates – especially Lance Austin – and my coaches, fans and family for bringing a negative light on the school, the football program and my name.
My actions in the video that was made public today were unacceptable and the dispute should have been handled in a more adult manner. Taking disputes to a physical level is never the answer and I hope my peers take note of my mistake.
The incident occurred during the spring, which gave Lance and me an opportunity to discuss the matter and put it aside a long time ago. Lance and I have always had a brother-like relationship and brothers sometimes fight but, as I said before, the situation should have been handled in a more mature manner. I’m glad that even after the incident, our friendship remains strong.
I’m deeply sorry for my actions and, being an adult, I understand that consequences and judgment come with the actions shown. I hope to prove to those who don’t know me that I’m not a violent person whatsoever. I would respectfully ask those that have viewed the video not judge or categorize Lance or me based on what they saw in the video alone. Thank you.”
Austin provided the following statement to Channel 2 Action News: "A lot has been made today of an incident that happened months ago. The video snippet of that incident is not beneficial to anyone. Step Durham apologized and we long ago put that incident behind us. As far as I'm concerned, there's no further need for an apology. I forgave him already and we have since played well together as teammates this season. Like Step said, as brothers, we have put aside our differences and our friendship remains strong."
The Georgia Tech Athletic Department sent Channel 2 Action News the following statement: "Georgia Tech's football coaching staff became aware of the incident between teammates and friends shortly after it occurred. Discipline was handled internally."
Georgia Tech finished its 2017 season 5-6 and will not be eligible to play in a bowl game.
Cox Media Group
