SEC should consider suspending Florida’s Spikes
This shouldn’t distract from the fact Georgia was outplayed and outclassed in every way in Jacksonville – nor from the fact that the Bulldogs committed four personal fouls themselves and have devolved into one of the nation’s most-penalized and least disciplined teams.
But SEC officials should look seriously at suspending Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes.
By now, you’ve probably heard about or seen video of Spikes’ attempted eye-gouging of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in the third quarter of Saturday’s game.
If not, here it is.
Take a look and then I’ll be back.
(UPDATE: The previous video has been removed by YouTube for copyright issues. This is another version — not as clear but clear enough.)
Pretty nasty, huh?
Now, I’m sure this sort of thing happens all the time at the bottom of the pile in the NFL. I’m guessing it also happens sometimes at the bottom of the pile in SEC games, particularly with players who project to the NFL (Spikes). But there really is no excuse for it.
Spikes might claim that his attack was retaliation for twice getting his helmet knocked off by Bulldogs players earlier in the game. But trying to jam one’s fingers into another guy’s eyes is WAY over the line.
So far, there has been no reaction from SEC officials. They tend to look at these things on Mondays, and I’m sure I was one of a hundred media members seeking a statement Sunday. The hope is that commissioner Mike Slive treats this at least as seriously as he does coaches who whine about officiating.
Florida coach Urban Meyer called Spikes a “very emotional player,” adding, “If that’s the case, I will have a very serious talk with him.”
Dogs coach Mark Richt said on his Sunday night conference call that he hadn’t seen the video: “I did have someone bring it to my attention that they thought that might have happened or whatever, but I don’t want to make any kind of comment on that particular incident.”
I’ll update this late if the SEC comes out with a statement.
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402 comments Add your comment
grrrrtrfan
November 2nd, 2009
12:40 pm
Spikes has been suspended for the first half against Vandy…let your over-reactions start now…
Big Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
That wasn’t the only flagrant act by Spikes that didn’t get called. On Georgia’s first possesion if you look at the penalty against the Dawgs you will notice that Spikes hits Ealey with his helmet and later he tears Ealey helmet off. I know the guy is a great player and plays with a lot of emotion but his play was over the top on Saturday. Yes Coach Richt should be very, very upset that once again even if one of his players even looks like they commit a foul it gets called but the officials tend to look the other way when it comes to the Dawgs opponent.
AlphG8R you are an idiot saying stuff like that and as one who played at Georgia and played against Florida I can tell you that kind of play has no justification. To deliberately try to hurt another player is totally unacceptable and should not and must not be tolerated.
jason
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
I have been reading alot of blogs over the weekend on this video. Quite a few UF fans out there calling for at least a one game suspension, also.
Jay
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
Gators suspend Spikes for first half of Vandy game.
Jeff
November 2nd, 2009
12:42 pm
John- as if UF has always been a storied program- you are a fool.
Big Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:43 pm
I think the SEC (SLIVE)had better step in and tell Florida he is suspended for the rest of the year otherwise they will start seeing a lot of this stuff.
GreatBigGator
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
This is classic – Two blogs of crying puppies at the same time…I am sure the “wait til next year” talk will start soon.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
Jeff,
Florida has suspended Spikes for the first half of the Vandy game
tmac
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
lmao! Fla suspends Spikes for a half a game? lolololololol
What a joke. Nice precident Urban.
Wargo
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
WOW URBAN is the MAN! Spikes is suspended for the 1st half of the vandy game. Classless spineless!!!!!!!! Hopefully when Spikes does get in the game he will be injured and out for the season!!!!!!!!!!!
Pissed off Bulldawg(2 years running)
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
This just released Jeff…
Urban Crier has said that SPIKES will be suspended for the first half of the Vanderbilt game.
WOW…
SEC will review the play this afternoon and we are still waiting for a response.
UN_FREAKING_BELIEVABLE
Truly, I really am not surprised.
Kim
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
UGAg fans have been calling Spikes a thug for some time now. How did this start? Because he’s a big, black man? Has long braids? Diamond (?) studs in his ears? Naw, you aren’t racist here in the south.
FLA DAWG
November 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
A half game suspension of The Vanderbilt Game!
Wow!
That’ll sure teach Thug Spikes not to do that again!
John
November 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
If I had a freaking penny for every time somebody deploys “thug” on these football blogs, why I’d have….a helluva lot of freaking pennies.
C’mon people. This blog isn’t hot wired to Rush Limbaugh and EIB is it? Good googly moogly.
Seems thugs are only thugs when they play for the other team, or when they’re efforts for our team don’t meet expectations.
“Who is this pompous, self-righteous, nimrod” you may be asking yourself.
Allow myself to introduce myself. The name is Bond. James Bond.
Arthur Blank
November 2nd, 2009
12:47 pm
Florida should consider giving Coolio a helmet that fits…. His helmet is 4 sizes to big for him.
BWAHAHAHAH
November 2nd, 2009
12:47 pm
mommy, mommy, mommy da big burly long hair guy tackled me an it hurt.. sniff-sniff.
That’s freaking football.. Funny thing how many of these PATHEDIC writers does it take to write the same stories? and get paid for? What about Oregon beating the pants off USC, or hell even how Georgia Tech has started to turn their program in the right direction. This paper and the fans for that matter are a J.O.K.E!!!! Bottom line..
grrrrtrfan
November 2nd, 2009
12:47 pm
Wargo you probably celebrated when Tebow went down too…i love you haters…makes being a Gator that much more fun…I hope every UGA player stays perfectly healthy!
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
Why would I be disgusted about how the SEC is run based on what you say. If it is determined that Spikes was wrong then he should be punished. You don’t know me so how can you say what you just said. You don’t know the SEC commissioner but because he is a Tech Alum he has to be biased. You are upset because your team is not performing and that is the way it is. You are full of conspiricy and cannot face the reality that your team has problems. Don’t get frustrated and call me names. As far as I am concerned both Fla and UGA can get beat every week. I am not a fan of either. I am not happy with the Tech fans who get on here and talk smack because it is not necessary. Tech has been beat once and they go their clock cleaned, no ones fault but the team. they did not play well. I am not going to blame the ACC or the officials. I spent 25 years officiating in the GHSA and know what it takes to be an official. Mistakes are made. My life does not revolve around what 18 to 21 year old kids do on football field. I enjoy the game of football and love my yellow jackets. I have suffered more that you when it comes to W’s and L’s. This all comes form a 63 year old Tech Alum, retired from 40 years of working for a great company.
Gatorzone
November 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
Quote of the day from Jason
“UGA went into this game trying to play in your face with physicality and tried to intimidate the Gators. Well, UGA now whines like babies because UF B!tc& slapped UGA back.”
Anyone who says otherwise is kidding themselves.
Kiffin
November 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
Hey Mark, give me a call if you need for me to speak on your behalf… You need to speak out against this and not worry about your rep, money or a suspension! Look out for your players!!!
Lane
GBO
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
Off Topic …
Thanks Jeff from an ATL Vol. I wanted to thank you once again for picking S. Carolina in an upset last week. I use you as a barometer for how the game goes. We always play much better and are almost a sure win when you pick us to lose or not cover. Thanks again and we will be counting on you to pick against us for the rest of the season!!!!
FLA DAWG
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
Why is the color of the man’s skin the first thought in your mind Kim?
No one but you gives a damn what his skin color is – it’s what the man did.
YOU are the racist!!
Iron Dawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
WOW! A 1/2 game suspension for TRYING TO BLIND someone!! Are you kiddding? Plus, isn’t the rule of thumb that when someone looks down and to their left when speaking they are typically lying? Watch coach UM when he is talking about how this isn’t Spikes or the Gators – he’s not looking at the camera but down and to the left!!! We lost the game because FL played much better but FL has lost a lot more if they are smart enough to take their national championship hope blinders off. If Spikes goal is to inflict permanent damage then have him join our armed forces but attempting to blind another athlete isn’t acceptable in sports (other than apparently at the University of Florida).
Derwood
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
Urtban Myers will probably buy ball player a steak supper. Urban has about as many morals as does a crooked politician.
UF Sportmanship Council
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
On behalf of the University Sportsmanship Council and Coach Urban Myer, it gives me great pleasure to nominate Brandon Spikes as the Sportsman of the Year. He embodies all that we believe in here at UF and can only hope that high school athletes throughout the great state of FL hold him up as a role model.
There have been many pundits that have criticized Brandon for attempting to gouge the eyes out of a competitor. Lets keep this in perspective….the competitor did not suffer any long term eye injury and besides, the officials did not call a penalty. Furthermore it’s been reported that the other team had several penalties called against them which clearly justifies Brandon’s the attempt to blind a competitor.
Coach Urban Myer quoted earlier today, “We have been working with Brandon on his eye gouging and spine twisting techniques, but clearly he needs to shield this from the cameras in the future. We are still very proud of him and hope he continues to lead us by example.”
Pissed off Bulldawg(2 years running)
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
This just released Jeff…
Urban Crier has said that SPIKES will be suspended for the first half of the Vanderbilt game.
WOW…
SEC will review the play this afternoon and we are still waiting for a response.
UN_FREAKING_BELIEVABLE
Truly, I really am not surprised.
Check it on on the FOUR letter network!!!!
Ed_Dawg55
November 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
Wow, way to go Urban Meyer. A 2 quarter benching! A full game might have been a good punishment for such a classless act. You are a classy coach, More like a gutless wonder!
Florida fans beware, Urban Meyer to Notre Dame coming soon. Don’t fall in love with him yet.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
By the way Jeff, kiss my A$$.
Mrs. Manners
November 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm
Jill,
I’ve posted time and time again in my syndicated column that it’s not very ladylike to wear jorts in a public setting. Please make note.
And for heaven sakes, go brush that mullet of yours.
Astute Observer
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
If Spikes didn’t have those nasty dreads interfering with the proper fitting of his halmet it wouldn’t fly off from incidental contact! Don’t just suspend him for a game or two, send him packing to the NFL NOW! Those guys will chew him up and spit him out like stale Twinkies. What a chump!
Rick
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
“What an overreaction. Spikes didn’t even hurt the guy. ” You’re right, Gator Rob. It shouldn’t be an issue unless he actually injures the player. While we are at it, let’s take Attempted Murder off the books, too! I mean, if they didn’t actually murder the person, how can it be wrong?!?! Freaking moron! Anybody with two eyes could see that Spikes was intentional trying to poke Ealey’s eyes out. It’s a shame that Florida fans can’t just say that their player did something he shouldn’t have done and should be punished for it. Frankly, I was embarrassed by the way Georgia players conducted themselves on the field. From the Nick Williams cheap shot of Tebow to the taunting of Tebow after the one (and only) good hit put on Tebow by Rennie Curran (I think it was Dobbs that bent over to taunt him). That kind of stuff is why I think there is a very serious problem with Richt’s program. Somewhere along the way, we forgot how to play good, clean, hard-nosed football.
Wargo
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
grrrrtrfan- you are correct- I celebrate anytime something bad happens to the Gaytors- always have…always will. Oh, and by the way- i was doing that long before 91. Have been a gator hater for a lifetime- when we owned you 20-5….and now it has flipped and will go back again….thats college football
Real Rich
November 2nd, 2009
12:53 pm
Meyer has just announced that he’s suspending Thuggy Spikes for the first half of the Vandy game. What a joke! The SEC should step in and at least double that, if not more.
Bob
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 pm
I’ll give Spikes three years before he beats up a girlfriend, gets caught with a gun he isn’t allowed to have, gets busted for drugs, and/or does any other kind of thuggish low life act that you can think of. The guy is a total dirtbag. That play will be his legacy.
I frankly do not find this surprising in the least. Remember the cheapshot on Stafford two years ago? That’s Florida’s MO. Its absolutely hysterical how these hypocrites got so bent out of shape over a little excessive celebration. I don’t think excessive celebration can potentially cause blindness.
Florida could win the next ten BCS titles and they would still be the biggest pile of smack talking trash in the SEC if you ask me.
Matt Norris
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 pm
Regarding the 58 year old Brandon Spikes. I like his toughness. I like his fire. I wish some UGA defenders had that. That being said, he went out with intentional malice and tried to hurt Ealey. Stop making excuses Gators. There is video of this and nothing exists for the “alleged” eye gouges.
Regarding Spikes’ helmet coming off twice. If any of you Gators bothered to look, his chin strap was not fastened and neither hit was dirty. I don’t even believe the personal foul was that bad. If he had his helmet strapped on, it wouldn’t have came off.
Tech fan who hates cheap crap more than UGA
November 2nd, 2009
12:55 pm
As a tech fan, I am appalled at the behavior in the tape. I guess after Meyer’s chat, a suspension of the first half of the Vandy game was decided. Blount misses almost all of the year for his punch and this steaming pile of manure gets a half game suspension for something that could have taken out an eye? It just goes to show the total lack of character required by Meyer to be a part of his team. And the fact that this incident has retaliation for earlier helmet popping fouls actually makes it worse because they were premeditated. I would be less digusted if it had happened ‘in the heat of the moment.’ He should have gone to the NFL after last year, it’s clearly where he belongs. One also wonders what punishment Meyer would call for if somebody had threatened the eye of his timeless crush Tebow…
Dog in Fla
November 2nd, 2009
12:55 pm
Florida coach Urban Meyer called Spikes a “very emotional player,” adding, “If that’s the case, I will have a very serious talk with him.”
How this waiting for godot dialogue may go:
Urban: Did you get both eyes?
Spikes: What do you think?
Urban: He didn’t try to do a Curly on you by holding up a hand to block your gouge move did he?
Spikes: No. He was trying to hold onto the ball.
Urban: Seriously?
Spikes: Hell, yeah.
Urban: Good job. Next time save it for a ballcarrier on a team that’s playing us close for a change.
Spikes: Ai-ight..
Urban: Really.
Spikes: Okay.
Urban: Seriously.
Urban Liar
November 2nd, 2009
12:56 pm
well Urban stepped up and suspended his star for all of a 1/2 a game. Urban’s a man to be looked up to.
Darius
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
So, Meyer suspended Spikes for the 1st half against Vandy … which would have been the penalty had Spikes been caught and ejected from the game on Saturday. Time for all the whiny Dawg fans and AJC columnists to find something else to distract themselves from the turmoil in Athens.
AZ Jacket
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
Now you guys can have something else to cry about. He did not get suspended for the year. The SEC usually lets the coaches handle the situations. I have heard all the crying I need to hear for one day. My kleenex stock just went out the roof from all you dawgies cryin.
Teblows
November 2nd, 2009
12:58 pm
Spikes is a dirty player. I can give numerous instances in this game alone where he was the instigator of dirty play. 1) 1st quarter – GA had a false start, Ealey went up the middle after the play was blown dead and Spikes hit him with his helmet late. 2) The play where the GA off lineman was called for pulling Spikes helment off, Spikes was trying to push the lineman over the pile backwards causing an injury and on and on. Is he really that good? GA ran up the middle play after play.
Cuz
November 2nd, 2009
12:58 pm
I heard that Spikes would also have to write 100 times, I will not get caught playing dirty on TV. I hear he will be allowed a tutor for this assignment.
Gatorzone
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 pm
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Urban Liar
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 pm
fyi the suspension wasn’t for the eye gouging. It was for his slapping Tebow in the locker room after the Miss St game.
Navigator
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 pm
Florida’s coach missed a chance to really show that he was not tolerating the Spikes action. Instead he’s making him sit out the first half against Vanderbilt. At the very least, it should have been the whole game.
AWJ (UGA Alumni)
November 2nd, 2009
1:00 pm
AZ Jacket — Plenty of logic. Just because he did not run off the field, pull his helmet off, and stand under a waterfall does not mean Spikes should not be punished. Spikes may not even have gotten his eye. It doesn’t matter if Ealey was hurt or not. Here is the point of logic so pay attention….
The play was over and Spikes intentionally stuck his fingers inside of Ealey’s helmet to try and inflict physical damage to his eyes. He MEANT to do it. Under your logic, I guess the defensive player from Kentucky and the Florida lineman should have been suspended when Tebow got hurt, because he got hurt right.
It is all about intention. There was no “oh it was the speed of the game” or whatever. Spikes could have easily finished the play and exited out of the pile without doing that. He should be suspended for what he intended to accomplish.
Maybe this will help you understand….If someone tries to shoot the president with intent to kill him and misses because he is a bad shot do you think he would be arrested?
The answer is yes because he intented harm…The outcome does not determine if one gets punished or not. That my friend, is what is illogical….
CFB Fan
November 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
This just in…
Spike suspended by Urban Meyer for “one-half” of the UF vs. Vanderbilt game.
That’s not enough. SEC needs to do more.
Macon Dog in Middle East
November 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
In his book, Browns Town 1964 (the story of the Cleveland Browns last NFL Championship), Terry Pluto recounts how Jim Brown routinely bit the fingers (and drew bllod) of any player who tried to gouge his eyes. Sounds like a plan! If we can’t beat them, we can eat them! (Where is Mike Tyson when you need him?)
But seriously folks, we need new coaches. I’ve been doing a lot more Red & Black bleeding lately than I ever thought I would! At this point, I really think Mark Richt should either offer to resign or dismiss every member of his coaching staff except Rodney Garner. To keep him (and his considerable talent for recruiting our home-grown players), Richt should offer him whatever assistant coaching position he wants.
Damon Evans’ seat should also be red hot, but Michael Adams would have to turn up that flame, and he won’t. (Since he disparaged Coach Dooley, I have had no use for Adams.I will give him credit, however, for heeding the Atlanta big dogs and firing Donnan.) Evans is paid far too much.
There is just no excuse for our having been beaten to a pulp, time and again, as we have been this year. We’ll be lucky to show well against Auburn, Kentucky and Tech. We may well lose all three of those games. If we lose two of the three, Richt won’t have to offer to resign.
I’m no fan of Kiffin’s, and I despise UT, but he has taken charge in a way Richt has not done for three seasons. I don’t care if Muschamp is in the ACC or any other conference. Let’s get him back in Athens. Tech was wise to go to an Erk Russell disciple. Maybe we should too.
squat
November 2nd, 2009
1:04 pm
greg u and jill blow…
Ken Stallings
November 2nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Urban Meyer announced that he will suspend Sikes for the first half against Vanderbilt!
Wow! What a sacrifice coach! First half against the perpetual weak sister in the SEC! That’s the way!
What a joke! Sikes should be suspended the rest of the season. I’m not an SEC fan. I’m an alumus of NC State and have no dog in this fight. But I’m disgusted by the act and disgusted more about the weak discipline applied. The SEC should send the message that needs to be sent.
Suspend the thug for the season and perhaps he can learn some sportsmanship in the off season!