Northern Illinois will face Bowling Green next week on Nov. 8 without freshman linebacker Jamaal Bass, who has been suspended following a head-scratching incident in last night’s defense-optional win over Toledo.
According to an official press release from the university, Bass “brought the Huskie team into contact with the Rocket Marching Band as NIU entered the field.”
[Insert “too bad he didn’t bring NIU’s defense into contact with Toledo’s offense” jokes here]
Here’s more from the school:
“After reviewing the tape of last night’s pregame encounter between our team and the University of Toledo’s marching band, and discussing the situation with [NIU Director of Athletics] Jeff Compher, we have decided to suspend Jamaal for our next game,” coach Dave Doeren said. “His actions were not representative of the Huskie football program. I met with Jamaal early this morning and he understands that and is extremely remorseful.
”I want to publicly apologize to the Rocket Marching Band and to the University of Toledo. We are embarrassed at what occurred and take full responsibility for the situation. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that something like this never happens again.”
Last night’s win puts NIU in the driver’s seat in the MAC West.