Quick, what’s the penalty for eye-gouging an opponent in college football?… Give up? Apparently, you only have to sit out the first half against one of the weakest teams in the country. That is the punishment handed down by the University of Florida to All-American Linebacker Brandon Spikes. Spikes tried to gouge Georgia running back Washaun Ealey’s eyes during Florida’s 41 – 17 win on Saturday.
People across the country are weighing in on the suspension that Urban Meyer apparently felt was appropriate. Most people are arguing that the suspension is too light and won’t send a message to anyone.
The message should be that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in college football. Is a half-game suspension against Vandy sending that message? Florida will probably be leading Vaderbilt 40 – 0 at halftime. Spikes probably wouldn’t have even played the second half of the game had it not been for this suspension.
I think that Urban Meyer and school officials should have stepped up and delivered a harsher punishment. A punishment that wouldn’t have just satisfied Florida alumni, but one that would make a college football player think twice before committing such a classless act!
Whether or not the punishment fits the crime is debatable. The lingering question is if there will be any kind of retaliation by Florida’s upcoming opponents. Sports history has taught us that what goes around comes around. Will spikes be a walking target for cheap shots? Will Tim Tebow become the beneficiary of excessive late hits and personal fouls?
Source: Gather News
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Coach K,
While I agree with you that this is one of the worst cases of sportsmanship I’ve ever seen, I don’t think it’s Meyers’ responsibility to issue disciple. A harsh judgement should have come down from the SEC. They should have made an example of this guy.
And no wonder Brandon Spikes wears an eye shield.