Eye-gouging penalty wasn't nearly enough to fit the crime

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer 2:08 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

I’m trying to decide which was the greater injustice: Florida coach Urban Meyer benching linebacker Brandon Spikes for only a half-game for trying to gouge out the eyes of a Georgia player — wow, a whole two quarters — or the spineless SEC officials ruling that the wimpy suspension was appropriate.

Spikes took them off the hook a little bit on Wednesday by volunteering to sit out all four quarters of Saturday’s Vanderbilt game (Meyer agreed), but the punishment still doesn’t fit the crime.

On replays, Spikes clearly can be seen digging his fingers into the eye socket of running back Washaun Ealey. I’ve heard the usual drivel about how common it is for shenanigans to take place at the bottom of piles, but I don’t buy it. Folks tried to use that rationale several years ago when Ohio State’s Robert Reynolds was caught wrapping his hands around Wisconsin quarterback Jim Sorgi’s throat. It was a stomach-turning attack on a defenseless player, and Reynolds’ suspension of one game also was too lenient.

Having only played CYO football, maybe I don’t understand just how close to the edge players have to be to inflict bodily harm on those in opposing uniforms — especially on someone who’s actually carrying the ball. But Spikes could have permanently injured the Georgia player, and I’m certain this isn’t the kind of punishment that will make him think twice about doing it again.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com

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Florida has the best paid college players in the country. They just haven't been caught yet. I live about 60 miles from gainesville and you see and hear lots of ncaa infractions that are covered up or simply overlooked. I keep waiting to see this program get investigated but so far no one has the courage to do so. When you suspend players for gambling or breaking curfew but sit a half for eye gouging thats simply insane, he should be kicked out of football all together.

11Russell
12:06 PM, 11/5/2009

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Doug Harris is such a hipocrite. Two words . . Robert Reynolds. I did not hear anyone asking for a stiffer penalty when he tried to choke with Wisconcin quarterback.

Shame
11:23 AM, 11/5/2009

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Got to remember he only got suspended for one quarter. He volunteered to sit out the entire game. A few years back a linebacker from OSU choked a Wisconsin player and was caught. He got suspended for one game. Neither punishment is enough. I can somewhat see the pinching and biteing that goes on at times under the pile, but not actions such as that.

hopper
9:20 AM, 11/5/2009

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Your right the big ten would have done more at least they can say they beat the sec it something now.

sec
8:45 AM, 11/5/2009

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One whole game,gee,should have been the season. His actions were done with intent to injure,not play the game. Atleast the Big ten would have gone longer, unlike the spineless SEC, or does Meyer's guys get special treatment?

Joe L.
8:02 AM, 11/5/2009

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