NCAA rule:EWU player suspended for hit on WSU

[weberwildcat]

Video:

League Suspends EWU Player For One Game
Jon Kasper - Big Sky Conference
10/14/2009

OGDEN, UTAH (Oct. 14, 2009)

Wilkins, a senior linebacker from Monroe, Wash., will serve a one-game suspension this Saturday when Eastern Washington plays at Montana.

Wilkins was penalized for a personal foul after hitting a defenseless Weber State wide receiver above the shoulders with 3:08 to play in the second quarter of the Eagles’ 31-13 loss to the Wildcats.

"These types of hits have become a point of emphasis in the NCAA this year,’’ said Big Sky Conference Commissioner Doug Fullerton. "It is a new policy. It is an outgrowth of the commissioners’ involvement with the college football officials’ organization, and their attempt to get dangerous plays out of the game. This type of hit is dangerous not only to the player receiving the hit, but to the player delivering the hit.’’

Rule 9-6-2 in the 2009 NCAA football rule book states: When there is a foul called for initiating contact/targeting an opponent that does not result in a player disqualification, there shall automatically be a video review by the conference for possible additional sanctions before the next scheduled game.

Rule 9-1-3 states that: a). No player shall initiate contact and target an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. b) No player shall initiate contact and target a defenseless opponent above the shoulders.

"Because this rule is new, we asked for an additional review of the play by David Parry, the national coordinator for NCAA football officials,’’ Fullerton said. "He concurred with our decision.’’

[kalm]

Ok call, dumb suspension.

[ChetSteadman]

I've noticed that the officials are making more calls on these plays over the middle than they have in years past. I guess the NCAA really wanted to make a point of it.

[JALMOND]

We should just eliminate tackling. Too rough for high school and college and would eliminate all these close calls that change the flow of the game.

[GrizFanStuckInUtah]

I don't think he should be suspended, but it was a penalty for sure.