Johnson agrees with Gotsis ejection, doesn’t like rule as written
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said Monday that the hit that defensive tackle Adam Gotsis earned him a disqualification from Saturday’s North Carolina game looked like “an old-school form tackle.” But Johnson also acknowledged that, by the rule, Gotsis’ ejection was merited.
Gotsis was disqualified for targeting when he hit North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams as he released a pass early in the second quarter. NCAA rules state that a player who makes helmet-to-helmet contact with a defenseless player - the definition of which includes a player who is throwing or has just thrown a pass – will be disqualified. Gotsis did not lead with the crown of his helmet, but there was unmistakable contact between Gotsis’ facemask and Williams’.
“The definition is helmet to helmet, and it was,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he wants the game to be safer, but also wants officials to be able to have latitude in determining if a player should be ejected.
“I think there needs to be some room in there for common sense judgment,” Johnson said. “Give ’em the 15 yards if it’s helmet to helmet, but unless somebody’s taking a cheap shot, let ’em play football a little bit.”
Gotsis’ ejection played a significant role in the game, which the Jackets ultimately lost 38-31, as Tech lost one of its team captains and best defensive players.
About the Author
Ken Sugiura is a sports columnist at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Formerly the Georgia Tech beat reporter, Sugiura started at the AJC in 1998 and has covered a variety of beats, mostly within sports.
