Florida International University and the University of Miami have increased the punishment for 19 players involved in Saturday night’s brawl between the Panthers and Hurricanes.The Sun Belt Conference had suspended 18 FIU players for one game, which would be the Panthers’ tilt with Alabama on October 28th. However, new FIU Director of Athletics Pete Garcia and head coach Don Strock have elevated punishments for each.

FIU dismissed defensive backs Marshall McDuffie Jr. and Chris Smith from the team.

Sixteen of the 18 will serve indefinite suspensions beginning immediately, and the remaining two have been dismissed from the team. Those players are Michael Alls, Scott Bryant, Roland Clark, Michael Dominquez, John Ellis, Cory Fleming, Reginald Jones, Robert Mitchell, Quintin Newman, Luis Pena, Jarvis Penerton, Julian Reams, Lionell Singleton, Samuel Smith, Mannie Wellington and Chandler Williams.

Those who are suspended will be constantly monitored for behavior both in and out of the classroom, and their reinstatements to the football team will be evaluated on an individual basis. Those who have been dismissed will keep their full scholarships based solely on academics.

In addition, all 18 FIU players will be placed on probation for the remainder of the academic year, must perform community service, and are required to complete anger management counseling.

Per mutual agreement with the ACC, Miami sophomore safety Anthony Reddick’s one-game suspension has been upgraded to indefinite. Reddick was singled out due to misuse of his helmet. Other Hurricanes involved in the melee face additional discipline as well.

“The NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference have principles of sportsmanship to which the University of Miami is committed,” Miami director of athletics Paul Dee said. “It is important for us to use opportunities such as these to re-emphasize this commitment to sportsmanship and to use it as an opportunity to provide a meaningful learning experience. The University of Miami does not tolerate actions inconsistent with this principle.”

Tensions were high after Williams made a helmet-first dive at Miami’s Kenny Phillips following an interception in the first quarter.

Later in the game, with the Hurricanes holding a 14-0 lead, there was some pushing and shoving on the field following a Miami extra point. Seconds later, FIU’s Chris Smith threw Miami holder Matt Perrelli to the ground and punched him in the face.

Players from both sidelines spilled onto the field after McDuffie kicked Perrelli in the helmet and several players threw punches. Miami safety Brandon Meriweather also appeared to use his cleats as a weapon, stomping on several FIU players.

Police rushed onto the field to restore order but the fight caused a lengthy delay.

The two teams are scheduled to play each other next year at the Orange Bowl.