It's not uncommon for "points of emphasis" actually being emphasized early in the season. And this year is no exception as there's an interesting trend developing this year in the Big Ten. Just today, the conference suspended Purdue offensive lineman Zach Reckman for one game following a cheap shot late hit (check it out on YouTube) at the end of the Boilers' loss to Northern Illinois last week.
Just a few days prior, the conference suspended Michigan linebacker Jonas Muton for punching Notre Dame center Eric Olsen (see it here). He served his suspension against Eastern Michigan.
Neither Muton's nor Reckman's plays were penalized during the game, and both coaches originally planned lesser punishments for their players. Purdue coach Danny Hope planned to sit Reckman for just the first quarter, while Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez planned no suspension.
Did these plays warrant suspension? Do the punishments fit the crime? This trend of suspending players might be worth following as Big Ten conference play starts this week.
