MSU's Dawson, Payne 'scuffle' at hotel

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Michigan State forwards Branden Dawson and Adreian Payne were involved in a scuffle at a hotel before Wednesday night's game that led to police responding to the altercation.

Spartans coach Tom Izzo said in a statement that the scuffle started with the off-campus roommates needling each other and led to a dented wall. He said the team would "deal with this appropriately," and that Dawson and Payne will pay for any property damage.

Neither player started in the No. 18 Spartans' victory over Penn State. Dawson (10.5 points) has started all 17 games this year. Payne (8.5 points) has started six, but has come off the bench recently.

Penn State Police Chief Tyrone Parham said officers responded Wednesday morning to a call from front desk staff at the Nittany Lion Inn of a report of an altercation on the second floor of the campus hotel, but Michigan State players had just boarded the bus for the Jordan Center by the time officers had arrived.

Players were questioned off the bus. Parham said what started as a verbal argument escalated into punches being exchanged.

Both players had minor cuts and declined medical attention. Parham said the incident remains under investigation and that both players were being considered victims.

Statement from Tom Izzo --

"A scuffle that began as two players needling each other resulted in a dented wall. We'll deal with this appropriately, and the players will willingly accept responsibility for paying for any property damage. I've spent my entire afternoon meeting with the players involved and they are both sincerely remorseful. What makes matters even more confusing is that they are off-campus roommates. As a result of their actions neither one will start tonight's game."