Florida’s Spikes Suspends Himself

The fate of Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes had been up in the air for some time before coach Urban Meyer announced that he’d be suspending the player for the first half of the Vandy game next week. Although no penalty was called during the game, Spikes clearly stuck his hand into the face mask of Washaun Ealey of the Georgia Bulldogs last week.

Here’s the video, in case you haven’t seen it:

The SEC agreed to this punishment, but football fans everywhere have been grumbling that the punishment wasn’t harsh enough. So, Spikes decided to take matters into his own hands. After talking to Meyer and administration, he announced late last night that he’d be suspending himself for the full game.

Says Spikes,

“I really don’t want to be a distraction to the team. I want the guys to prepare without any negative things going on. I feel like if I would play, it would be a big thing. I’m just trying to stay out of the way and just motivate the guys.

Personally, I think this is a great choice and it shows a lot of maturity. The announcers are still going to mention Spikes, but at least this means that they won’t spend the entire game talking about him. I think sometimes the media focuses a little too much on the negative – and I get that; people love gossip. However, the focus this weekend really needs to be on the game and that the players who deserve to be there. Members of both Florida and Vanderbilt don’t deserve to share the spotlight with a debate over whether or not Spikes should be playing.

Was the eye-gouging intentional and malicious? Maybe, maybe not. In any case. this decision makes it easier to forgive Spikes for the incident.

Brandon Spikes, Image: Newscom