MSU Players Allegedly Brawl At Penn State's Nittany Lion Hotel

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Two Michigan State University basketball players battled in the Nittany Lions' hotel Wednesday morning, police confirmed.

The incident allegedly happened at 11 a.m. at the Nittany Lion Inn, the Centre County Report first Tweeted. It was described as a "verbal argument that turned physical."

"Two MSU players were in the lobby  and they ended up having, first a verbal dispute, then it ended up turning physical, and then after the punches were thrown, one guy shoved another into a wall," Penn State University Police Chief Tyrone Parham said.

He added the scuffle involved both players getting punched in the face.

"Both suffered cuts and scrapes, and the hotel wall was damaged, he said, adding the investigation  is ongoing.

Police did not name the players because no one has been charged with a crime, but MSU put out a statement later that named the players as Adreian Payne and Branden Dawson.

Coach Tom Izzo released a statement that said: "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."

The Detroit News recently described Payne as the "likeable team jokester." Dawson suffered a knee injury Sunday, but was expected to start against Penn State.

MSU and Penn State are scheduled to play beginning at 7:30 p.m.