During Saturday’s Mississippi State-LSU game, television replays seemed to indicate that Bulldogs offensive lineman Dillon Day, on two separate occasions, had stomped on a pair of Tiger football players.
Three days later, the lineman’s conference agreed.
In a statement, the SEC announced that Day has been slapped with a one-game suspension for what it described as “multiple flagrant and unsportsmanlike acts” during the win in Death Valley. Because MSU is on a bye this weekend, Day will be sidelined for the Oct. 4 game against Texas A&M.
Here’s the SEC’s statement, in its entirety.Upon review of game video from the contest between LSU and Mississippi State on Sept. 20 in Baton Rouge, La., SEC Commissioner Mike Slive has announced that Mississippi State senior center Dillon Day is suspended for the Bulldog’s next game, which is scheduled for Oct. 4 in Starkville.
This action is the result of multiple flagrant and unsportsmanlike acts during the game, as well as previous disciplinary action for similar behavior.
This action is taken in accordance with Southeastern Conference Constitution, Article 4.4.2 (d) which states that a student-athlete may be suspended if it is determined that the student-athlete has committed a flagrant or unsportsmanlike act.
In a letter posted on social media Monday, Day vehemently denied that he had intentionally stomped on any LSU player. Below is Day’s tweet, which contains a photo of the letter:
Day’s protests notwithstanding, the video clips of the two incidents appear to indicate that the stomps were very much intentional and could’ve easily been avoided. Suffice to say, the SEC agrees with that stance.
Also, as noted by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger earlier this week, Day was suspended for a half game last season for stomping on an Auburn player.
The clip below shows the two most recent incidents, and puts into doubt Day’s recollection of the events that ultimately led to his latest suspension.
Day will be eligible to return to the starting lineup for the Oct. 11 game against Auburn.