Elizabeth Lambert – Soccer’s Miss Congeniality

My daughter plays soccer. But not like this:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4628040&categoryid=2378529

I understand that sometimes it gets a little rough between the sidelines, but what this ONE PLAYER did in this game in so over the top that I have to wonder if there isn’t sometime else going on:

Was she off her meds?

Is she the team’s “goon” who was sent out to do the coach’s dirty work?

How did she only manage to get a yellow card?

Is this the way she always plays? Why haven’t we heard of her before?

And now the important question –

How long until we can make her ambassador to North Korea?

Update: 4:09PM – From the University of New Mexico’s website:

‘University of New Mexico head women’s soccer coach Kit Vela announced today that junior defender Elizabeth Lambert has been suspended indefinitely for her actions in Thursday’s match against BYU in the semifinals of the Mountain West Conference Championship in Provo, Utah.

Effective immediately, Lambert is prohibited from participating in all team practices, competition and conditioning activities.

“I am deeply and wholeheartedly regretful for my actions,” said Lambert. “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 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.” ‘

And the response from the MWC:

‘In consultation with the University of New Mexico, the Mountain West Conference endorses the disciplinary actions being taken by the institution to address the unacceptable conduct of the UNM student-athlete involved — which violated the MWC Sportsmanship Policy.

The MWC commends the University of New Mexico for its prompt response. The decisive manner in which it was handled is consistent with the MWC Sportsmanship Policy and the principles under which the Conference conducts intercollegiate athletics.

The MWC will continue its internal review of the overall dynamic involved in the match. The Conference will have no further comment regarding this case. The provisions of the MWC Sportsmanship Policy can be found in Rule 4 of the MWC Handbook – which can be accessed via the http://www.TheMWC.com Web site. ‘