WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Cap's Commentary: November 5, 2009

Cap's Commentary: November 5, 2009

As we enter the home stretch of the college football season, I'm surprised, if not shocked, that an incident in one of last weekend's games seemingly hasn't generated much anger or disucssion among college football fans.

Admitedlly, we've had plenty to focus on locally ... LSU's upcoming showdown against 'Bama and the big Monday night win by the Saints. But last weekend left me disenchanted with college coaches, the SEC, and the NCAA.

In case you missed it, the incident i'm talking about occurred in the Florida - Georgia game. With Georgia running back Washaun Ealey already down on the ground, Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes reaches inside Ealey's helmet in a clear attempt to gouge his eyes.

My reactions initially and in the dozen of times I've watched it since haven't changed -- appalling ... cheap ... dirty. Here was the reaction of Florida Coach Urban Meyer on Monday:

"I don't condone that. I understand what goes on on the football [field], but there's no place for that. We're going to suspend Brandon for the first half of the Vanderbilt game."

Then came word on Wednesday that Meyer, Spikes, and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong had collectively decided to extend the suspension to a full game. Spikes said, "Basically what Coach Meyer just said, I really don't want to be a distraction to the team."

So, in other words, Meyer was more worried about his team being distracted from getting another "W" than making sure Spikes was properly disciplined.

Hats off, Coach. Hats off for an underwhelming punishment that was only increased because of public pressure. Hats off for confirming what we've long known about you and so many other coaches. It's not about teaching young men life lessons ... it's win at all costs. It's about national championships. It's about preserving your multi-million dollar salaries.

And while we're at it .. .hats off to SEC Commissioner Mike Slive who approved of the initial punishment. Hats off to the same guy who felt it appropriate to suspend officials for entire games for missed calls, but finds a half-game punishment appropriate when someone intentionally tries to inflict physical harm.

And hats off again to Slive - for implementing a policy restricting fans from taking pictures at games ... for implementing a policy that has made it much more difficult for this station and all other media outlets to bring you the SEC coverage you want.

It's become clear to me that the NCAA needs to get involved in doling out punishments for on-field incidents. Coaches and commisioners have shown the inability to do so with any sort of consistency and without bias. Oregon running back Legarrett Blount initially gets suspended for an entire season for throwing a punch, but Spikes gets half a game until public outcry leads to something more?

Well ... that's what is on my mind tonight. Let me know what you think by leaving your comment below.