:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56949541/usa_today_9624961.0.jpg)
If you were watching the late night Saturday action between theNorthern Illinois Huskiesand theSan Diego State Aztecs, you were likely a bit tired as the game action wore on. So it’s possible you may have missed a fairly significant thing on a kickoff as captured and tweeted by SI College Football. Have a look:
This appeared to be a blatant cheap shot at Rashaad Pennyhttps://t.co/MttD9DFQIo
— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb)October 1, 2017
That’s... not ideal.
The NIU player involved, LBAntonio Jones-Davishas now been suspended for the next NIU action (a conference tilt against theKent State Golden Flashes).
NIU head coach Rod Carey released the following statement on Sunday:
“After seeing the video of the incident that occurred during a kickoff of last night’s game at San Diego State, I have suspended linebacker Antonio Jones-Davis for the upcoming game versus Kent State (Oct. 7).
“Antonio’s action is not indicative of his character, nor that of our players or coaching staff, and does not reflect the values upon which our program has been built.
“Last night’s game was extremely hard-fought, it was emotional and it was a chippy game which at times crossed the line on both sides as evidenced by the number of post-play penalties. However, Antonio’s action in that emotional moment was completely unacceptable, and he understands that he must face the consequences.
“In speaking to Antonio today, he has taken full responsibility for his actions and voiced to me his disappointment in himself that he embarrassed the university and the football program.
“On behalf of our football program, I want to apologize to San Diego State, Coach Long and SDSU playerRashaad Penny. Antonio and I will be reaching out personally to them in the near future.
“I’m confident Antonio, and our entire team, will learn from this incident and be better going forward.”
So credit to Carey and the Huskies for holding Jones-Davis to a high standard and it’s a good thing thatRashaad Pennywasn’t seriously hurt. I’ve been in the bottom of some piles before and there’s some not so great things that go on underneath them. Hopefully, this is a lesson to all.