YOUR VIEW: Fan Calls for Tighter NCAA Rules, Penalties

Editor, the Auburn Plainsman

On Dec. 28, 1905, the NCAA was birthed along with a rules committee in a meeting attended by 62 colleges. It warded off President Theodore Roosevelt's threatened ban of college football by Presidential Order if violence (18 fatalities, 180 serious injuries in 1905) were not reduced. Practices such as hitting an opponent in the face were outlawed.

Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended for the season in September primarily for sucker punching a Boise State Player. President Lariviere's quote, "His conduct was reprehensible."Blount is still trying to work his way back on the team after missing eight games.

Coach Meyer suspended Brandon Spikes one-half game for gouging Georgia's Washaun Ealey's eyes. After a pubic and media backlash, Brandon Spikes suspended himself for the second half. All that for one game. Is gouging a milder offense than a sucker punch? In and among the excuses Urban Meyer made for his player's behavior, he said, "I don't condone that," and "there's no place for that." The suspension came against Vanderbilt, a 35 point underdog, which Florida defeated 27-3. Coach Meyer on Friday drew a $30,000 fine from SEC commissioner, Mike Slive, the second largest fine in SEC history, for criticizing officials.

Consider this! Traumatic glaucoma occurs later in life as a result of blunt trauma to the eye. This is how I lost sight in one eye in my early 40's, as a result of a sports related injury in my youth. Washaun Ealey may not realize the full damage from eye gouging for two or three decades. There must be zero tolerance.

I believe gouging attacks like Brandon Spikes' should result in an automatic suspension based on tighter rules enacted and enforced by the NCAA. There has been a week long circus in Gainesville. Meanwhile, the coach at Oregon is in the process of reclaiming a troubled young man. I ask the NCAA to consider:

One game suspension - player caught on film trying to thrust his fingers into an opponent's eyes.

At least a two game suspension - player making continuous attempts to gouge an opponent's eyes (like Brandon Spikes).

The offender would be automatically suspended, even if based on video evidence discovered after the game. I call on the Commissioners of the NCAA to suspend Brandon Spikes for at least a second game as an example and warning to other players of stiffer penalties to come. One scenario we need not fear, the NCAA measuring out punishment in half-game increments while making excuses for the offender.

Terry Herbert

St. Augustine, Fla.