Dirty hits, taunts require tougher college suspensions now

OK, I need your undivided attention to address several seminal moments last week that illustrate an ongoing problematic trend in college football. It relates to these ridiculous “celebrations” after plays and “dirty plays” in general. Most players are between the ages of 18 and 23 and they certainly should be given some latitude, but what’s happening on the field is egregious and has no place in the game.

The problem is also magnified because there is no accountability and the media, coaches and administrators are ignoring it. Not here, not now. Ignoring the problem is not an option. I’m not concerned with most plays on the field; it’s what happens after the play.

A case in point is Texas’ Colin Simmons, the best lineman in college football. After making a second-quarter sackagainst Tennessee, Simmons celebrated by simulating unzipping his fly and pretending to urinate on the field. Completely insane. Penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, he missed one or two plays and proceeded to play the balance of the game, totaling a Texas record five sacks.

His coach, Steve Sarkisian, said when he was asked about the incident: “I’m not going to give him the death penalty.” Well, that may be too punitive but how about some serious discipline? Later in the same game, Longhorns running back Raleek Brown scored a touchdown and celebrated by performing a sexually suggestive gesture like some deranged lunatic. The penalty? None.

The final example is USC linebacker Desman Stephens II, who almost decapitated Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, sending him to the hospital with a concussion. He earned an ejection for targeting but was seen “celebrating” and high-fiving teammates while Moore laid motionless. Moore is out indefinitely but fortunately he was not paralyzed like the late New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley. His coach, Lincoln Riley, didn’t say much until reactions everywhere demanded something be done. The penalty? A one-game suspension. What a joke.

Football is a violent game played with emotion, but there’s a red line between making an aggressive play and intentionally trying to injure someone. Stephens crossed that line. This was a teaching moment. His coach, while apologizing, did little else. Want to take a dangerous and dirty play like that out of the game? Simple — make the penalty a suspension for six games. That would effectively eliminate the intent to injure anyone as players would adjust knowing the discipline to follow. Riley needs to increase Stephens’ suspension to at least four games. Why? Because that would send a message that mocking a player who is motionless after your dirty hit is not tolerated. It’s called leadership and accountability. Instead, Riley hides behind a public statement talking about the values at USC. To quote the great Paul Feinbaum, “What a fraud.”

Texas AD Chris Del Conte apologized for his players’ actions, calling them “embarrassing.” Wow. Strong words. How about humiliating and disturbing? Send the right message, for crying out loud. The point here is that all of these incidents were teachable moments that were missed. Suspending both Texas players for two games would have stopped these ridiculous celebrations forever. Discipline yourself on the field or face discipline for your misconduct off of it. It’s not that hard. And where is the Big Ten and SEC? Not a word. Despicable.

Sportsmanship has effectively been eliminated from the game. It’s a warlike mentality, and what gets lost on everyone is that it’s a game. A microcosm of life but still a game. The media, by doing the bare minimum in criticizing it, is complicit. It takes chutzpah to make changes that are not popular but are for the good of the game. Respect the game.

Playing the role of activist, I appeal to every school, league and administrator to implement severe penalties on any player who commits similar acts. Believe me, these actions would disappear overnight. So, for the sake of our youth, spread the word about this teaching moment that everyone else is ignoring and maybe we can prevent our kids from copying what they see on television.

Justice prevailed when Iowa defeated Michigan, 20-19, in the Big House on a miraculous 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Hank Brown to receiver Reece Vander Zee. The irony is that the clock probably would have expired on the preceding play but Wolverines defensive end John Henry Daley was injured, so the officials stopped the clock, allowing Iowa to draw up a final play. The clock started when the ball was hiked, which meant Iowa was in no hurry. Too bad that former NFL official Gene Steratore told the audience that he Hawkeyes should race up to the line of scrimmage to make sure they get a play off. It’s malpractice when the supposed expert referee who should know the rules gives you the wrong information.

No. 5 Ohio State (-14.5) at No. 17 Iowa: The Hawkeyes last played a top-five team at home against No. 4 Penn State in 2021, winning, 23-20. This one will be more difficult. The Buckeyes have NFL talent at nearly every position starting with quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith. They are more athletic, quicker and stronger than Iowa. So why is this game so intriguing? Because somehow the Hawkeyes always find a way to hang around and have a chance (see Michigan game). This will be no different. Jetting out to Iowa City to arguably the best fans in the heartland. Kinnick Stadium will be rocking. Take the points in what will be a huge home-field advantage and a close game.

No. 7 Alabama (-5.5) at No. 16 Mississippi State: The cowbells will be out in force. Their quarterback, Kamario Taylor, leads the nation with 14 touchdown passes. Alabama is deep and has its own special quarterback, Keelon Russell, who threw five touchdown passes last week. ‘Bama is just too strong and too athletic. Tide rolls.

No. 8 Florida (-4.5) at No. 25 Missouri. Florida is riding high after blowing out Mississippi, 52-28, while Missouri lost another to a ranked team (Mississippi State, 31-24, and are now 1-9 in their last 10). Expect it to continue. Gators roll.

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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Dirty hits, taunts require tougher college suspensions now