Derek Davis/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
A Division 2 player for Florida’s Saint Leo University has lost his right to play in the final 18 games of his college career after delivering one of the most vicious, unwarranted cheap shots since the introduction of the three-point line.
During St. Leo’s 92-77 home loss to Nova Southeastern on Saturday, St. Leo senior Isaiah Hill, a Academic Achievement Award winner, straight-up stealth-elbowed NSU junior Nick Smith, sending NSU’s star player to the hardwood.
It’s NCAA Div. 2 game in Florida. But I bring it up because it’s surreal & former WPIAL standout Nick Smith is on the end of one of the most horrific cheap shots you’ll ever see. Also surreal official standing right next to it & nothing happens to this Saint Leo’s U. player. pic.twitter.com/Tv1ygleVOO
— Mike White (@mwhiteburgh) December 8, 2019
You may be wondering why the two refs directly in front of the play swallowed their whistles or why the cheerleaders were still shaking their pompoms. I don’t have an answer for you, but they’re in Florida, so I won’t rule out the street drug Flakka or the general insanity living in the Sunshine State does to a man.
On Monday, it was announced that Saint Leo’s second-highest scorer would suffer through one of the most unceremonious ends to a career imaginable.
“Isaiah’s conduct on the court is not an accurate representation of Saint Leo’s core values. Saint Leo University holds its students to high standards of moral and ethical conduct as a reflection of Benedictine values,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy. “Upon review of Isaiah’s actions this past Saturday, he will not represent Saint Leo University in competition for the remainder of 2019.”
St. Leo University President Jeffrey Senese supported this message.
“I support the decision of our coach and athletics administration. This type of conduct will not be tolerated. I am saddened by this event as this behavior does not reflect who we are at St. Leo University and apologize for any comments that suggest otherwise,” said Senese.
This wound for Isaiah Hill will take a lot longer to recover from than those of Nick Smith, who suffered no serious injuries from the cheap shot.
[h/t Total Pro Sports]