Michigan State offensive lineman Spencer Brown deserves to be suspended for his disgusting actions during Saturday’s college football game against Michigan. He was thrown out of the game, but a larger, lengthier punishment is more than warranted for what is one of the most dirty hits in recent history.
Now, to be clear, not every late hit, unsportsmanlike conduct penalty or unnecessary rough conduct penalty warrants a multi-game suspension. In most instances, an ejection and first-half suspension is enough. Not every dirty play happens on purpose. Emotions run especially high during a rivalry game.
However, Brown’s egregious late hit is inexcusable. It was intentional, deliberate, and gross.
To make matters worse, Spencer Brown is a fifth-year senior and knows better.
Spartans quarterback Katin Houser threw an interception on the play in question. Brown was tangled up with Wolverines defensive end Braiden McGregor.
McGregor tried to block Brown, mostly whiffed, and fell to the ground.
As he laid defenseless on the field, Brown circled back to fall on top of McGregor. He did so by diving helmet-first directly into the back of his head.
Brown led with his helmet and finished with his helmet. The contact was forceful and targeted.
A hit of such force to the back of the head, even while wearing a helmet, can cause significant irreversible brain damage. McGregor is lucky that he was able to get up and walk under his own power.
As a result of the ejection, by rule, Brown will miss the first half of next week’s game. It would behoove Michigan State to get out in front of the incident and issue a more significant suspension and/or steps to avoid such an incident in the future.
There is no reason that Brown should see the field in any capacity next week. There is no room for such a scary play in the sport.