For that act, committed Wednesday, March 3, Baylor University freshman Brittney Griner has been suspended for the grand total of two games.
Barncastle and Griner were wrestling for position when Barncastle forcefully spun Griner to the floor. With Barncastle looking away, Griner then rose up and, showing tremendous hand-eye coordination, slammed her fist into Barncastle’s face — more premeditated than spur-of-the-moment, or at least that’s how it looked on the repeated ESPN replays.
A one-game suspension is mandated by NCAA rule. Baylor coach Kim Mulkey apparently added the other. How inspiring of Mulkey to take that kind of stand.
Guess cold-cocking an unsuspecting opponent just isn’t that serious of an offense these days. Makes you wonder what actually would have earned Griner more time off the court. Producing a weapon of some kind? How about a foreign object from her shorts, rasslin’ style?
And, while we’re assigning blame for this incident, whatever happened to cleaning up post play? It’s a recurring point of officiating emphasis in the men’s game. Looks like something that needs to be addressed on the women’s side now, too.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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