The Big Ten fined Illinois and MSU $10,000 each on Wednesday for a scuffle between players following the Spartans' 23-20 loss to the Fighting Illini on Saturday.

After the game ended, Illinois players attempted to plant a flag at midfield in Spartan Stadium. MSU players took offense, and a shoving match ensued.

In a press release, Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delaney said, "The conduct of the players last week in the postgame environment violated our rules and expectations for student-athletes and as a result we have taken the aforementioned actions."

Illinois head coach Ron Zook and MSU head coach John L. Smith also were publicly reprimanded by the Big Ten for failing to control their players.

In a statement, Smith said, "I'm disappointed by the way some of our players conducted themselves after last Saturday's game against Illinois. I apologize for the inappropriate behavior, and I again congratulate Illinois on its hard-fought victory. It's important that our student-athletes conduct themselves with class before, during and after competition. It's vital that our team promotes positive sportslike conduct at all times. That clear message has been delivered to our football team."