Gholston Suspended by Big 10
http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/102011aaa.html
Oct. 20, 2011
Park Ridge, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference office announced that it will impose a one-game suspension on Michigan State University football student-athlete William Gholston for violating the Big Ten Sportslike Conduct Agreement during Michigan State’s game against Michigan on Oct. 15, 2011.
The Big Ten determined that Gholston’s actions at the end of the third quarter of the Michigan contest violated Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01.1.A.1 - “Striking or attempting to strike or otherwise physically abusing an official, opposing coach, spectator or athlete.” The conference office also publicly reprimanded Gholston for his actions.
The Big Ten Sportslike Conduct Agreement states that “It shall be the responsibility of each member university to ensure that all of its students and all individuals employed by or directly associated with it comport themselves in a sportslike manner when representing their university, especially at intercollegiate athletic contests.”
The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:48 PM ^
That was the play in which it at first looked like Gholston just jumped on the pile late but ended up, of course, being the facemask twist.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:29 PM ^
Glad to hear Mark Hollis was able to finish his in-depth look into the matter...it does take time gathering all those still photographs that may add some new dimension to the incident previously not considered.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:29 PM ^
"Dantonio: "William Gholston is a tremendous and extremely caring young person. In the heat of the moment, he momentarily lost his composure."
How dare Dantonio try to co-opt our word to describe his sociopaths!? That is anti-tremendous.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:43 PM ^
He "momentarily" lost his composure? Several times?
October 20th, 2011 at 5:19 PM ^
He "momentarily" lost it repeatedly, such that the moments, repeated, stretched from about kickoff until the clock read 0:00 at the end of the 4th quarter.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:29 PM ^
its seriously time to move on. everyone was crying that Dantonio and co didnt take action. Sound familar? oh yea! Jonas Mouton punching an notre dame player in '09. suspended by the big ten, not rich rod.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:30 PM ^
"Student-athlete"
LOL. A fine, upstanding young man with limitless potential to postively impact his community through word and deed.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:31 PM ^
WeCheerThemAgain
Thanks for posting the link. I was about to do the same. Hollis still doesn't get it. They don't condone the punch but lessen his culpability to some extent because Lewan asked for it. Hollis stated that It was important that the BIG went beyond the two second clip " At the same time, it was important to get beyond the two-second video clip". Our sentiments exactly, look at Gholston's earlier action as well. Even Gholston's media department prepared apology doesn't accept total responsibilty. "I deeply regret momentarily losing my composure late in the third quarter of last Saturday's game against Michigan," Gholston said. "Although provoked, my response was inappropriate. Coach Dantonio regularly reminds us that actions have consequences, and I will be better prepared to handle these circumstances in the future. I look forward to my reinstatement." Where was the provocation for the Denard late hit/face mask.
There remains a lack of coaching and of teaching the right things. I only ever expected the one game suspension but felt that the late hit/face mask on Denard should be mentioned when it was doled out.
This kid and MSU have learned nothing.
I enjoy no greater rivalry than tOSU and a close second of Notre Dame but I enjoy watching nobody lose more than I do MSU. They have a good football team but their program and leadership are a fraud.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:39 PM ^
The meme is that the "Blue wall" of media influence, etc., was responsible for the Gholston suspension.
Oh, how I wish we had that power. So that Gohlston was suspended for UW and NU and Rush was suspended for UW. I really wish that I could go to Sparty and say, "Yep, I did it. I got your guys suspended. Now I hope it costs you a couple of games." I mean, I really did try. It just didn't work. I'd like to find out why it didn't work, and whether Jim Dleany is really comfortable with what the video shows in the play where Marcus Rush succeeded in injuring Denard Robinson.
As far as 'predictions' go, I must sadly report that I was right, in predicting a near-automatic one-game suspension of Gholston. That was the easy, formulaic response from Park Ridge. Where they have made careers out of "easy" and "formulaic."
October 20th, 2011 at 3:39 PM ^
where was that "blue wall" of media influence the last 3 years then? If they think that, that's delusional. What about Adam Jacobi? Or can the expand it to the black and gold wall of media influence too.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:36 PM ^
I'm sorry, this must be incorrect. Mark Dantonio's "no-tolerance" policy would not stand for such behavior by a student athlete. I'm sure the press release is incorrect and that St. Dantonio personally put down this punishment...
October 20th, 2011 at 3:43 PM ^
"I deeply regret momentarily losing my composure late in the third quarter of last Saturday's game against Michigan," Gholston said in a statement. "Although provoked, my response was inappropriate. Coach (Mark) Dantonio regularly reminds us that actions have consequences, and I will be better prepared to handle these circumstances in the future. I look forward to my reinstatement."
Saying sorry was pretty difficult it seems. Let's break it down.
"I deeply regret momentarily losing my composure late in the third quarter of last Saturday's game against Michigan,"
It wasn't momentarily, and you showed no composure. Trying to twist off someone's arm and head on previous plays certainly do not reflect composure. Reckless is a better word to describe your behavior. It is fortunate that no one was seriously injured.
Although provoked, my response was inappropriate.
Wah, wah, wah. Someone made me do it. I can't even apologize in full for punching someone in the face because I still feel really good about doing it.
Coach (Mark) Dantonio regularly reminds us that actions have consequences,
Which include allowing someone else (the Big 10) to do your job for you. Great job Dantonio. Rather than stand up against violence, you can pander donations instead.
I will be better prepared to handle these circumstances in the future.
Since I didn't get punished for the arm bar and the head twist, you can bet that I will avoid punching folks. I will stick to breaking limbs with my signature moves.
I look forward to my reinstatement.
My iPod is full of technique videos from a jiu-jitsu master, and watching these videos will ensure that I get the proper angle next time. I will spend my suspension learning these new angles so that I can separate limb from body.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:50 PM ^
is perfectly, comprehensively phony, given that Gholston, Dantonio and Narduzzi all gave totally unapologetic and non-explanatory statements after the game.
They are all deeply sorry... that Gholston was caught on video. Correction; on three videos.
October 20th, 2011 at 6:43 PM ^
and helped him read it
October 20th, 2011 at 3:44 PM ^
MSU sure moves slow for their suspencions. Glad the B10 did something, too bad its only 1 game.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:45 PM ^
Can we make this the official end of discussion ad nauseum of the f-ing State game and start looking forward.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:48 PM ^
I want to stop thinking about that shit game, lets focus on the rest of the schedule.
I hope Wisconsin fuckin detroys them.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:49 PM ^
Excellent call. For the rest of the next two weeks we are now 7-0 and it turns out last week we actually did play South Florida.
Yay.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:46 PM ^
Does anyone remember what happened to Spikes the Florida LB that pulled that eye gouge a couple of years ago? What was his punishment?
October 20th, 2011 at 3:55 PM ^
He was suspended for the first half of the Vanderbilt game.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:16 PM ^
That SEC speed makes suspensions quicker too.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:46 PM ^
One of the ring leaders of the RCMB just commented how it is so great that Dantonio decided to leave the punishment to the B1G office because "it shows the players that the coaching staff has their back." What a bunch of BS! The coaching staff of a B1G school should promote sportsmanship and clean play by showing their players that violent helmet twists 5 seconds after the whistle and PUNCHING A PLAYER IN THE THROAT will not be acceptable and will be punished.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:46 PM ^
Just like Tress had his players' backs. Yup...teaching young men how to NOT be accountable for their choices and actions.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:46 PM ^
This is infreakingcomprehensible.
The helmet twist isn't even mentioned?
What The Fuck?!?!?
I'm so enraged because this is so fucking ridiculous and there is nothing I can do about it.
I'm getting looks at work for typing so hard on my keyboard and having a red face with looks of fury.
This is fucking terrible. The worst thing about it is it's what we all expected/predicted mostly, and there's nothing we can do about it.
I live in Wisconsin. Root for the badgers mostly when they're not playing Michigan, or them losing doesn't help Michigan in some way. I am having a Badger party at my house this weekend. All my badgy friends coming over and I'm treating it like a Michigan Rose Bowl.
MURDER SPARTY
October 20th, 2011 at 3:55 PM ^
Ya gotta earn it, Killer
October 20th, 2011 at 4:31 PM ^
but yes, I'll take $100 if you're offering..??
October 20th, 2011 at 4:50 PM ^
Slapshot quote.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:53 PM ^
Quote recognization fail - hilarious - can't believe i missed it
October 20th, 2011 at 4:37 PM ^
for making me laugh Mrs. Delany, I needed that.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:50 PM ^
October 20th, 2011 at 3:53 PM ^
insofar as it was pretty clear that today would be Suspension Day.
And that principle is the basic enforcement principle that underlies all NCAA enforcement (this being a Conference matter, not an NCAA matter). That is, 'if you make us investigate and enforce, it will be very bad for you.' So much for that idea.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:56 PM ^
I fear this is now how the Big Ten rolls. Ever since Delany lobbied to protect the poor, mistreated Tatgate Five, anyone ignoring the rules (whether it involves thuggery or illegal payments) has no reason to fear the league.
October 20th, 2011 at 7:05 PM ^
To me, Dantonio becomes like some sort of tragic hero...
October 20th, 2011 at 3:51 PM ^
October 20th, 2011 at 3:54 PM ^
He was suspended for a game. Good. Can this be over now? I know we are all pissed off about this and want him to be suspended for more games...but do we really want to set a precedent where people are suspended every week for stuff like this. I am not condoning any of these actions. I just think that if he was suspended for multiple games here, it could start a precedent of a large number of suspensions...or maybe it would just clean up football in general. Then all of this unsportsmanlike garbage would end. But I'm thinking not.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:56 PM ^
If one more B1G player does what Marcus Rush did to Denard, on a particularly vicious, flagged personal foul, and puts Denard out of a game as did Marcus Rush, oh yes indeed I do want him suspended.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:05 PM ^
I agree with you. I just think that in general we are taking a myopic view of this because of the situation. While his play was reprehensible, I think the majority of us don't want to see the B1G office suspending players on a week to week basis. Although I would be in favor of instituting a hockey like game misconduct. Watch that play -- boot him out of the game and the next one as well.
I guess I agree with you...I just don't like the idea of the B1G suspending people all the time...which is what I would be worried about if a precedent was made.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:10 PM ^
If there were a few more suspensions, the Michigan-Michigan State game wouldn't be the most personal foul-plagued rivalry game in the Conference, with 80% of those fouls committed by Sparty.
October 20th, 2011 at 5:28 PM ^
Oh, come on, you know it wouldn't be 80% MSU if the Referines...err, referees...weren't in Michigan's pocket.
/s
October 20th, 2011 at 4:29 PM ^
You don't want to set a precedent of protecting defenseless players from inexplicable and unprovoked acts of violence with an intent to harm said defenseless players?
It's good to know Delany started an account on MgoBlog. Or are you Hollis? Dantonio?
October 20th, 2011 at 8:44 PM ^
For the retaliatory punch (more of a head slap), yes I do want the B1G to enforce a level playing field. All other 11 teams should be held to the same standard. Delany set the precedent...now he's got to enforce it.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:43 PM ^
For a specific example, if one of our players does to Taylor Martinez what Rush did to Robinson, I would want him suspended for the OSU game. If one of our players does to anyone what Gholston did to Robinson, I would want him suspended for at least 2 games if not 5.
October 20th, 2011 at 7:15 PM ^
No way in hell any player does what Gholston did to Denard and suits up in a Michigan jersey again. Hoke would probably kick him off the sideline for the rest of the game on top of that.
I'm confident in saying that even someone like Woodson would have been kicked off the team instantly for that, and that's a major reason a lot of people become fans of the Michigan football program.
October 20th, 2011 at 8:40 PM ^
You're benched for one play...for getting caught. Then you're back in the game. Loved the Bush fist-bumps with his teammates after taking out Denard. Sportsmanship...that's what they coach in East Lansing.
October 20th, 2011 at 7:37 PM ^
"Our" being Michigan fans. I don't want any of that crap happening on my team. I don't want to explain to my daughter, or her cousin, or ever her pretentious aunt "That is NOT how you play this game."
I swear, if a MIchigan player ever does the facemask pull a la WG, I will be overtly and physically* vocal in my call for removal from the team.
*Insert video of random drunk Auburn fan yelling "We want a leader, not a loser!"
October 20th, 2011 at 8:23 PM ^
...for retaliatory punches with Mouton. Anything worse should deserve a harsher penalty. Period. The arm bar, head twist, and karate chop pile driver were all worse.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:53 PM ^
The neck twisting of Denard Robinson after the play whistled dead? Not worthy of additional disciplinary action apparently.
Well done Big Ten. And bravo to Damnedtonail.
October 20th, 2011 at 3:54 PM ^
What a fuckwad:
"Michigan State University takes a great deal of pride in vigorously promoting positive sportsmanship," Michigan State Athletics Director Mark Hollis said. "MSU took this incident seriously, and this was reflected in my attempt to gather, understand and share with the Big Ten extensive information about what likely contributed to the incident. As leaders, we need to ensure that our student-athletes are prepared for these moments and taught how to respond. As all observed, Coach (Mark) Dantonio and his staff reinforced this practice by immediately pulling him from the game and coaching him.
So Hollis wants everyone to know how serious he is about sportsmanlike conduct based on how long he took to "gather the facts" and ultimately find the REAL reason Tom Gholson can't maintain his composure.
And here I thought I couldn't hate MIchigan State any more than I did.