Suspension possible for Bama player for hit on Georgia QB Aaron Murray
ATHENS — Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity confirmed Monday the Bulldogs have asked the SEC to review the legality of a hit on Aaron Murray that required him to be helped off the field shortly before halftime in the SEC Championship game. But they need not have bothered; the league office is already looking into it.
Alabama defensive lineman Quinton Dial hit Murray with a above-the-shoulder, helmet-to-helmet strike after Murray threw an interception at the 1:15 mark of the second quarter. Crimson Tide defensive back Ha-Sean Clinton-Dix was in the midst of a 35-yard return when the 304-pound Dial left his feet and made contact with the side of Murray’s helmet toward the end of the play. Murray was out of the play and not in position to make the tackle.
McGarity said he was “stunned” when he saw the replay of the Dial’s hit — he missed it during live-game-action — and immediately moved to make sure the play was going to be reviewed.
“I actually didn’t see the hit until I saw it on YouTube (Sunday),” McGarity said of SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. “It is definitely a play we will submit for review, but I’m sure that’s already being done. “I’m anxious to see what (SEC Commissioner Mike Slive) says about it.”
Steve Shaw, the SEC’s coordinator of officials, has already reviewed the play and determined that Saturday’s referees “missed the call.”
“By rule, you can’t hit a defenseless player above the shoulders,” Shaw told The Birmingham News. “What the determination needs to be is was this a defenseless player and was contact initiated above the shoulders? When we go through video review of it, that’s what we’ll have to determine. And then you as you break it down, did he lead with the head or lead with the shoulder? From game action, it was a personal foul regardless of how we break it down frame by frame.”
That would not have changed the ultimate outcome of the play. Alabama would have retained possession as the personal foul would have occurred well after the interception. But it would have backed it up 15 yards from the point of contact, which was near midfield.
Above-the-shoulders hits and “targeting” defenseless players have been a point of emphasis for the SEC this season and for all of football as the dangers of concussions have become better known. Slive suspended two players — Ole Miss defensive back Trae Elston and South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger – for one game each for such hits earlier this season. Dial will face the same fate, and the Crimson Tide’s next game is the BCS national championship.
NCAA rules mandate that conference offices review any flagrant personal foul or targeting for possible future punishment, whether a penalty was called on the field or not.
“We do want to stand up for our players when they are in serious danger of being injured,” McGarity said. “This is a case where it could have had serious implications on Aaron, not only in that game but in future games.”
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1,117 comments Add your comment
Tndawgsfan
December 3rd, 2012
4:57 pm
Wow, I guess they don’t do blogs in Alabama. They have come out of the woodwork to post their little testosterone driven zingers on the AJC. You guys won. Go sit down and look at your crystal somewhere and leave us to our Disney World tickets, ya danged jack wagons!
Dear HYPOCRITEDAWGS,
December 3rd, 2012
4:57 pm
hypocrisy:
a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
In order for the Dawg fans to be hypocrites, they must do something equally as bad and say that their play should not be in question.
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2012
4:57 pm
Murray wasn’t (unfortunately) in pursuit of the play. He was in slow trot just turing to the sidelines. It was a cheap shot no matter how much lipstick you morons try to put on that pig
Dawg Whisperer
December 3rd, 2012
4:58 pm
Really, is anyone surprised with the Bummer fans comments? It is obvious to anyone that this was a dirty and dangerous head shot that has no business in football at any level. Dial will be suspended because it is on tape for all to see including the NCAA and SEC officials whose interests are not complicit with those of the blind Bummer fans.
Dial should be reprimanded by Saban and suspended for the BCS game regardless of the decision of the SEC. Bummer fans can continue with their rant but it is out of your control. Us crybabies will enjoy seeing Bummer play without Dial. BTW, is that (crybabies!!) the best you Bummer fans can offer?
Kennesaw David
December 3rd, 2012
4:58 pm
Are you kidding me?? There are Bama homers on here trying to defend this cheap shot?? This hit by Dial was a cowardly, no class cheap shot and nothing more. And anybody that would even try to defend it is cowardly, low life and no class as well. A total sucker punch by a complete punk. He should absolutely be suspended without a doubt. He should have been ejected form that game.
Proud Dawg
December 3rd, 2012
4:58 pm
BombasticBammerHammer & Crimson 1, don’t you two have some trees to poison somewhere?
Steve Spurrier
December 3rd, 2012
4:58 pm
I’m sorry the SEC and the refs cost you the game against us.
docdawg
December 3rd, 2012
4:58 pm
Bammer pulease!, Ogletree hit Mccaron leading with his shoulder and it was a nudge in comparison, Lacey lost the ball before the endzone trying to stretch it, your DBs got away with holds and early hits all day long, none were called including Mitchell`s catch by your sideline after being hit a full second early with the ref watching 3 feet away. Ala a great team, phenomenal line and backs ran well in second half after Ga D line gassed by the O line`s barrage. Credit your line, put Gurley behind that line and he gains 300 yards. Didn`t think Bama would run that well, nor Gurley would gain over 100 between your tackles. Wrong on both counts, but Bama very lucky to get away with a W,ask Saban about that one. by the way, the interception clearly bogus, he trapped it after ball snugged ground. nice effort but the other DB hit Mcgowan early, clearly interference AGAIN nullifying any interception regardless. 2 great teams and a great game! Wishing Bama and all SEC squads success in their bowls. Dawgs second to noone this year!
Ron Burgundy
December 3rd, 2012
4:59 pm
Maybe the league office should investigate the arsekicking that USC put on the dawgs this year?
BamaFireWalt
December 3rd, 2012
5:00 pm
Differences in the two hits (1) AJ was in the process of throwing the football, which makes him defenseless. Murray was moving toward the football as a defensive player. (2) Dial hit high but with his shoulder. there was very little helmet contact. Whatch the video close. If you don’t wanna get hit stay away from the football.
St Richt
December 3rd, 2012
5:00 pm
We NEVER throw cheap shots. . .its not Godly.
someone who knows
December 3rd, 2012
5:00 pm
I guess the hugs and kisses Bama fans were handing out yesterday are no longer enough to cover up the stench of another big game dawg loss…Murray is now what 1-11…Chuck Oliver was right ot ask the question, “how come yall suck in big games?”…legit question…
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2012
5:00 pm
dogs,
Quit living on the past. That was so Saturday afternoon.
#moveon.dogs
Truth
December 3rd, 2012
5:00 pm
Les you have a great football mind.
Frank
December 3rd, 2012
5:00 pm
The real truth? Just about everyone commenting here are the most closed minded people I have ever come in contact with.
P.S. Nice names, your parents clearly must have hated you to give you such absurd names…
RgDownie
December 3rd, 2012
5:01 pm
For the first time in my life I will be rooting for ND against the a SEC team. Enough said.
Lucky
December 3rd, 2012
5:01 pm
It’s totally amazing that football fans are so blinded that they can’t even see the obvious. Dial’s hit was dirty, he was blindsided, and Dial led with his helmet directly at Murray’s helmet. If he is not suspended, then Slive has got some “splaining” to do. As far as the so “eye gauge”, it is plain to see that the GA player saw some dirt on the AL players face under his eye and was simply trying to graciously flick it away. No intent to harm anyone, just a friendly gesture. Jeez, people, doesn’t any one have a brain? AL played great, GA played great, someone had to loose. It was not lost because of Dial’s cheap shot. AL still had time outs left. But his intent to use the crown of his helmet to injure a defenseless player, that was only strolling to the ball because a tackle was already being made, totally deserves a suspension. My bet is that he will be!
Ameritrade Baby
December 3rd, 2012
5:01 pm
Get over it cry babies!
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2012
5:02 pm
SEC! SEC!
Spikes eye gouge was an oldy but goody.
Cue up the youtube link for that HOF moment.
Vampire Bill
December 3rd, 2012
5:02 pm
Dial’s hit was as bad as Fairly’s a couple of years ago. Dirty players are on every team including UGA and especially GT. Hope Dial loses at least a half of the NC game or maybe more?
Strat Cat Dawg
December 3rd, 2012
5:02 pm
This article certainly got the Bama contingent’s attention… it will be interesting to see how the SEC handles it
ALLCRIMSON
December 3rd, 2012
5:02 pm
you dawg fans are the biggest cry babies I have ever had the pleasure to be around.
Roll Tide Roll!
ac
Brian VanGorder
December 3rd, 2012
5:03 pm
The refs ALWAYS screwed us when I was there too!
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2012
5:03 pm
How about a Nick Fairly SEC! SEC! moment while we at it?
No class
December 3rd, 2012
5:03 pm
Comments on this blog show Bama fans have no class. Pathetic. . . win at all costs, huh?
Dawg Whisperer
December 3rd, 2012
5:04 pm
BamaFireWalt… get yourself another pair of glasses. What you have now isn’t working for you.
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2012
5:04 pm
Hell,
Let’s go back to Ealey’s spitting on a Weslyan player in the HS Championship. That was a dog classic ahead of it’s time
someone who knows
December 3rd, 2012
5:04 pm
Q. Dial is an American hero! Dial for Heisman!
Truth
December 3rd, 2012
5:04 pm
This is why fans of other teams laugh at you GA fans. You whine, complian and moan all the time. You’ve won nothing since 1980. You have 1 National Title in your pocket. I just sit back and laugh.
No class
December 3rd, 2012
5:05 pm
not to mention the SEC ALREADY said the refs missed the call….of course you Bama fans know more than the SEC refs. . .show a little class. You won, congrats…hope you beat ND . . but the comments by Bama fans are childish and pathetic.
Derek Dooley
December 3rd, 2012
5:06 pm
Yes Les, the time management was incredible!
GAFan5791
December 3rd, 2012
5:06 pm
It amazes me how stupid people are. It was a great game played by two great teams! The better team won, they didn’t beat the 8 point spread, but none the less, they won. Why can’t everyone quit blaming the “other” team? Let’s move forward and look towards the bowl games and next season.
Jomps
December 3rd, 2012
5:06 pm
Too bad he is a senior and just played his last game…it will suck to watch the BCS game on TV eating a moon pie and an RC cola.
Paul Finebaum
December 3rd, 2012
5:07 pm
Anyone know the definition of “get over it?”
someone who knows
December 3rd, 2012
5:07 pm
who cares if they missed the call…it happened…winners win, losers cry and moan…and wear Georgia gear they bought at WalMart!
BAD DAWG
December 3rd, 2012
5:07 pm
tCrimson 1 we will meet again!!! Bank on it. Game could have went either way. Wewill meet again!!!!!
Supreme Grand Poobah
December 3rd, 2012
5:08 pm
Don’t be so hard on Alabama. Haven’t you heard? Their library burned down. All the books were burned up. Some of them hadn’t even been colored in yet.
Most epic b-tthurt ever
December 3rd, 2012
5:08 pm
RTR! Dawgs lose big one AGAIN! Waaahhhhh…….refs, coaches, God, country – everyone cryin’ for you, dawgs! Sic ‘em, indeed – or at least complain like a non-champion.
Fair and Balanced
December 3rd, 2012
5:09 pm
You heard it here 1st, the AJC must not get any media feeds. Joker Phillips, former Ky HC is hired by Florida as wide reciever coach and recruiting coordinator. The rich get richer.
Paul Johnson
December 3rd, 2012
5:09 pm
If you could have won you should have won!
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2012
5:09 pm
Dog logic:
That late hit is the reason T-Town got blasted by the Tornado.
Bama Boy
December 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
What you do not get is that Bama people are very unsecure folks. I live here, and I know. We are not too bright, and we have tons of private schools to help those that can make their way out. Around Tuscaloosa and Birmingham is okay, but for those others, well Budweiser, NASCAR, fishin, and moon pies are where we are at. Our legends are way over rated because they were corn holed by the Bear into robots, and today most of them as like crippled and poor. So somethings are not even close to the way you see them. I love Alabama, and Mom is sweet, but guess what all we have is college football. Look around, and that will tell you who we are. Heck we would depend Obama if we knew he liked the Tide. We are who we are. RTR
Pat Way
December 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
Hey Bombastic, not sure what replay you looked at but lacy did not score the ball was out next time use Stevie Wonder’s seeing eye dog before you make a statement like that at that play did alter the game 15 yards back bama would have had to kick a 50 yard field goal game was a good game only an idiot like you would say what you said
What?
December 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
Hey dumb dogs, it’s called football. Get over it!
I’ve seen more dirty hits from the uga players!
Maybe if they gave everybody a SEC trophy, you’d feel better!
JB
December 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
I’m thinking we are close to having say a Pac 10 crew do the SECCG. Me thinks only ONE coach in the SEC will be against it. The holding from Bama was more than obvious. And geez, yes Bama won and was the better team, but Me thinks it time for an outside the conference crew. Take ALL the Slive politics out of the game
Mathew Stafford
December 3rd, 2012
5:10 pm
At least when we underachieved we didn’t blame the refs!
Buckeye
December 3rd, 2012
5:11 pm
Your pick dogs:
Win or get away with a late hit.
Oh, sorry, you didn’t do either.
dealarue
December 3rd, 2012
5:11 pm
Is the SEC going to review the Body Slam committed by Alec Ogletree on the GT player Robbie Godhigh?? That was uncalled for and could have really hurt the player. I think too much is made of hits since football is the most severe of the contact sports except Wrestling
The Real Crybabies?
December 3rd, 2012
5:11 pm
Perhaps everybody should shutup and let the SEC/NCAA handle it??
Mike S.
December 3rd, 2012
5:11 pm
Got to love the Bama fans making excuses for the hit…especially when Ogletree got flagged for a personal foul on a similar hit against McCarron earlier. That was a hit that should have been called. The refs usually watch for stuff like that on the QB. Why they missed it, I dont know, but it reeks of the same crap they let Nick Fairley get away with in the 2010 UGA/Auburn game.