Michigan State sophomore defensive end William Gholston has been suspended one game (this Saturday against Wisconsin) the Big Ten announced Thursday.
Gholston violated the Big Ten’s Sportsmanlike Conduct Agreement when he punched Michigan’s Taylor Lewand during last weeks matchup with the Wolverines.
“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.”
Earlier in the game Gholston was also seen yanking the face mask of Michigan QB Denard Robinson at the bottom of a pile. However that incident wasn’t mentioned in the Big Ten’s statement.
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio refuted continued claims that his team is a dirty team and defended Gholston as a player and person.
“Our coaching staff and players respect the game, and our players are taught to play the game the right way,” he said. “This is a physical and emotional game. During the course of a contest, there are individual confrontations that sometimes escalate. The stakes — as well as the emotions — are always a little higher in a rivalry game. We will continue to stress the importance of maintaining one’s composure during the heat of competition.”
Dantonio added: “William Gholston is a tremendous and extremely caring young person. In the heat of the moment, he momentarily lost his composure. Football is an emotional game of split-second reactions. It was an unfortunate incident. We look forward to his reinstatement.”
Gholston’s absence this weekend will certainly hurt the Michigan State defense when they take on an extremely good Wisconsin team Saturday night.
Ref: Detroit News, USA Today (image)
