During a press conference on Monday, NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing again strongly refuted the allegations brought forward by Toronto FC head coach John Herdman that Cushing punched a TFC player at halftime of their game in March.
“I categorically deny any involvement or any incident where I have punched or assaulted any Toronto FC player or staff member,” Cushing said. “I am shocked, personally. I’m upset by the allegation.”
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NYCFC has asked MLS to investigate the incidents on Saturday evening following their 3-2 win in Toronto, including the nature of the allegation into Cushing by Toronto, as well as the altercation between the two teams on the field following the final whistle. At the beginning of the clip below, Herdman is seen charging toward and bumping Cushing. The two were quickly separated.
Altercation after the final whistle between Toronto FC and NYCFC.
Sean Johnson and Strahinja Tanasijević in the middle of it. pic.twitter.com/qsIRc9Oqhb
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May 12, 2024
Cushing took no further questions on the matter due to the ongoing situation, saying the league and the club’s lawyers will handle the investigation.
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is the player Cushing is alleged to have punched, sources briefed on the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirm, though Herdman didn’t leave much doubt as to the player’s identity by specifying it was a “19-year-old player.” Marshall-Rutty is the only 19-year-old in Toronto’s first team squad.
Herdman stood by his claim on Monday, as well.
“You have to speak honestly,” Herdman said. “The honest information relayed back from the team and young player was that there was an altercation; as a coach you have to support your players.”
The alleged incident is said to have happened in the tunnel of Yankee Stadium during a game between the two teams on March 16. Sources briefed on the situation say there are two cameras outside the locker room at Yankee Stadium and NYCFC sent MLS that footage in March. The club didn’t hear anything back, those sources say. Cushing said he was never contacted by the league and was unaware of the allegation until Saturday night.
Herdman indicated the league got that footage, as well.
“The cameras either weren’t working or didn’t cover that area of the tunnel, but the footage went to the league,” Herdman said.
MLS said it is aware of the situation and is reviewing the matter.
(Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)
