Nov. 6, 2009

PROVO, Utah (AP) -New Mexico has suspended a soccer player for several plays in a Mountain West Conference semifinal that have drawn some unwanted attention to the tournament.

Elizabeth Lambert, a junior defender, is shown in video highlights throwing elbows, taking out BYU players at the legs and finally yanking BYU forward Kassidy Shumway to the ground with a tug to Shumway's ponytail.

Lambert's actions have made her an instant celebrity for the wrong reasons. Highlights have been airing nationally since Thursday night.

Lambert issued an apology Friday, saying she let her emotions get out of hand during the Cougars' 1-0 win. She wasn't alone. One of the highlights shows Lambert taking an elbow to the ribs from a BYU player during a dead ball, then responding with an elbow to the back.