Birmingham, Ala. — The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced today it is suspending Alabama State linebacker Leland Baker for the first half of the Hornets game vs. Alabama A&M on October 29 for a flagrant foul committed in ASU’s last game vs. Prairie View A&M on October 15.
At the 0:42 mark of the first quarter in the game against Prairie View, Baker is clearly seen on video footage targeting and striking the Panthers Jacobie King following an offensive play by Prairie View. Baker was not flagged for a penalty on the play, however, the league has ruled that he violated NCAA Football Rule 9-6-3, which states, “If subsequent review of a game by a conference reveals plays involving flagrant personal fouls that game officials did not call, the conference may impose sanctions prior to the next scheduled game.”
The act also violates Section IV of the “Acts of Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Penalties” of the SWAC Constitution, Bylaws, and Sports Regulations.
NOTE: Any squad member who is disqualified for fighting or a flagrant personal foul a second time during the season shall be disqualified for that game and suspended for the remainder of the season.
