Linebacker Darius Taylor suspended due to illegal hit from Lamar game

The Southland Conference has issued a one game suspension for Sam Houston State University linebacker Darius Taylor during the upcoming Lamar University game after reviewing an illegal hit against Nicholls State University Oct. 13.

During the Nicholls State match, Taylor made a hit on a Colonel receiver over the middle in the first half. The play was not reviewed at the time of the hit, but during video review the Southland Conference concluded Taylor targeted and made and illegal hit against a defenseless player.

“It is an unfortunate decision forcing Darius to miss a game,” SHSU director of athletics Bobby Williams commented in a press release. “We disagree with the ruling that this was a targeted hit. We asked the league to take a second look at the play in comparison to other to other similar hits that went unpunished this season and were denied on the appeal.”

As stated in a press release from the Southland Conference, the NCAA requires conferences to review plays involving unnecessary roughness that involved helmet to helmet contact or hits that involve the head or neck. 

“As called for by the NCAA playing rules, and after a review of video, the [Southland] Conference has confirmed the violations as targeted hits to the head and neck area of a defenseless player, thus the student-athletes are subject to suspension,” Southland Conference commissioner Tom Burnett said. 

Taylor is one of two players being suspended during the week of Oct. 27. Kevin Roberts of Southeastern Louisiana University was suspended for an illegal hit against the University of Central Arkansas. 

“The Southland [Conference] always strives to ensure the safety and well-being of its student-athletes and will adhere to all NCAA playing rules during competition,” Burnett said.

Taylor will be able to return to the field in SHSU’s last season home game against Southeastern Louisiana Nov. 3.