Northwestern DT C.J. Robbins will miss the Wildcats next game against Western Illinois on September 20 because of a Big Ten suspension
Robbins was ejected in the fourth quarter of Northwestern's game against Northern Illinois on Saturday for striking a Northern Illinois player. The incident, according to the Chicago Tribune, was not caught by any of the Big Ten Network broadcast's cameras.
"The Big Ten office today imposed a one-game suspension and issued a public reprimand of Northwestern football student-athlete C.J. Robbins for violating the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy during the Northern Illinois game on Sept. 6," the Big Ten statement said. "Robbins was ejected from the game after striking an opposing player during the fourth quarter.
"Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01 states in part that “The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials.”
The Big Ten also said it considers the matter closed.
Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said after the game that he didn't see the punch happen.
“I didn’t see it. It must have happened underneath the pile," Fitzgerald said (via the Tribune.) They said he threw a punch, so if they said he did, he did. It’s incredibly disappointing. He’s usually a disciplined young man.”
Robbins, a junior, had three tackles and a half-sack in 12 games last season. Through two games in 2014 he has one tackle.
For more Northwestern news, visit WildcatReport.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
