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PROVO -- A New Mexico women's soccer player is being suspended indefinitely after a match Thursday against BYU in Provo.
It came during the semi-finals of the Mountain West Conference championship. Elizabeth Lambert can be seen on game footage deliberately kicking a Cougar player, then yanking BYU forward Kassidy Shumay by the hair and making her fall down.
The University of New Mexico is apologizing for what happened, saying it can't defend Lambert's actions.
Effective immediately, Lambert is prohibited from participating in all team practices, competition and conditioning activities.
In a press release, Lambert said: "I am deeply and wholeheartedly regretful for my actions. My actions were uncalled for. I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary from the coaching staff and UNM administration.
"This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women's soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women's soccer program and its players."
"Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship," said University of New Mexico soccer coach Kit Vela.
"Liz's conduct on the field against BYU was completely inappropriate," said UNM Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs. "There is no way to defend her actions."
BYU beat New Mexico 1-0.
BYU plays San Diego State in Provo Saturday for the tournament title.
