Accountability is a word that’s probably overused, but underrated at the same time. Brandon Spikes, Florida’s All-American linebacker needs to be reminded about not only accountability, but also sportsmanship after Florida’s 41-17 blowout victory over hated rival Georgia on Saturday.
Spikes played a good game against the bulldogs. He had an interception in his first appearance in 2009. He won’t be remembered for his performance as much as his horrendous eye-gouging incident. Television replays clearly showed Spikes as he reached inside the facemask of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey.
Accountability was the first word that came to mind when Urban Meyer announced that he talked with Brandon Spikes and that the eye-gouging incident isn’t something that is consistent with the Florida Gator program. Being accountable ultimately means punishment awaits for those who break the rules.
Coach Meyer had a chance to show his teams, the SEC, and college football fans in general that sportsmanship is a trait of his team. Unfortunately, Meyer chose not to do so when he announced that Spikes would be suspended for the first half of the Vanderbilt game this coming Saturday. Meyer isn’t alone in the blame game, as the SEC agreed with Meyer’s punishment and refused to press for a more stringent penalty.
Should Spikes lose his season? Absolutely not. The crux of the issue has more to do with coach Urban Meyer’s punishment, Spike’s terrible actions not withstanding.
The easy thing to do was to suspend Spikes for half of a game in which he’s not needed. The right thing to do would be to sit him down for the entire game, if for no other reason to send a message.
That message could’ve been a strong one, showing that accountability is important to everyone. Instead, Meyer sent a weak message: win, and all else is forgiven. That’s need the message young men need to hear.
Postscript: Brandon Spikes has heeded the call and suspended himself for the entire game against Vanderbilt. Talk about improving your NFL draft stock.
For the record, Spikes suspended himself.
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