Senior safety penalized by SEC for ‘flagrant and dangerous act’
Senior safety D.J. Swearinger will not play in Saturday’s game against Missouri after he was suspended by the SEC for a “flagrant and dangerous act” during South Carolina’s win over UAB. The play came in the third quarter on an incomplete pass from Blazer quarterback Jonathan Perry to senior wide receiver Patrick Hearn. It resulted in a personal foul on Swearinger and 15-yard penalty.
The senior’s play violated the conference’s rule against hitting the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent.
“These rules are for the protection of the health and safety of our players on both sides of the ball,” SEC commissioner Mike Slive said in a release. “It is imperative that our student-athletes understand the importance of this rule. Our motivation in making these decisions is to protect our student-athletes.”
According to the SEC’s website, conferences are required by the NCAA to automatically initiate a video review before the next scheduled game. Additional sanctions may follow the review.
— Compiled by Paulina Berkovich