Will Big Ten Suspend Purdue's Zach Reckman for Game-Ending Cheap Shot?

Last week the Big Ten suspended Michigan's Jonas Mouton for punching a Notre Dame player after a play. But if the conference was trying to send a message that cheap shots won't be tolerated, not everyone got that message. Because Purdue's Zach Reckman delivered a nasty hit on Northern Illinois's Sean Progar after the final play of the Boilermakers' loss.

Progar recovered a Purdue fumble and slid to the ground in front of Reckman, clinching the win for Northern Illinois. After Progar was already down, Reckman jumped on top of him -- and hit Progar's ribs with his right hand for good measure. This wasn't a hard tackle, it was a blatant cheap shot after time expired.

Now the question is whether Reckman, a three-year starter for Purdue, will be suspended. Last week Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez refused to suspend Mouton, and that's when the Big Ten stepped in. If Purdue coach Danny Hope doesn't suspend Reckman, the Big Ten should.

Do you think he should be suspended? Tell me on Twitter @MichaelDavSmith. Video via The Wiz of Odds.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

9-21-2009 @ 8:48AM

Welcome Don said...

Actually if you really look at the play his punch was at the BALL to knock it loose NOT at the player....

9-21-2009 @ 8:57AM

Michael David Smith said...

No, it wasn't. The ball was in Progar's right hand, under his body. Reckman hit Progar in the ribs on the left side. Also, the hit came after the play was over, so knocking the ball loose wouldn't have done anything.

9-24-2009 @ 1:38AM

bluerange308 said...

You're wrong Smith. When Reckman throws his punch Progar has the ball in both hands in the middle of his stomach, and turns as Reckman punches at it, causing him to get hit in the ribs. May I suggest you REALLY look at the videos and evidence before you write about something next time. Once again, ultimate fail for fanhouse writers

9-21-2009 @ 8:50AM

ssrb87 said...

You're reaching..........that wasnt even close to a cheap shot or a punch. That is how football is played, trying to force the fumble.

9-21-2009 @ 9:07AM

Roger said...

If you watched the end they flashed to an injured huskie on the ground-that was jake coffman. he took a cheap shot right under the chin from a purdue player-he wasn't even in the game on the last play. I know a player on the huskies who told me this but don't know which purdue player did it.

9-21-2009 @ 9:13AM

rmartin883 said...

He was down, so there was no possiility of a fumble. Therefore CHEAP shot.

9-21-2009 @ 9:16AM

mike said...

Big Ten: Where the players are slow and the blows are low.

9-21-2009 @ 9:49AM

Big10ref said...

It was a Big 10 team vs. a nonconf opponent. Therefore there was no foul and no flag was thrown. I have reviewed the film and I don't see anything. Everyone should just move on... nothing to see here.

9-21-2009 @ 10:38AM

WITZ6 said...

He was trying to cause a fumble. It was not a puch to the ribs. If the ball was fumbled he would be hailed as a smart player!

9-21-2009 @ 12:18PM

hwill2000 said...

hello

9-21-2009 @ 12:23PM

this was a cheap shot. actually, more of a cheap shot than what mouton did. mouton at least, was retaliating for a cheap shot. in college ball when the runner hits the ground, the play is over. you don't have to be touched by a defender. it's different in the pros and obviously some of you don't know the difference.

9-21-2009 @ 1:33PM

aaron5746 said...

It was absolutely a cheap shot. He had to lunge down at a player who was already on the ground. Plus he clearly wound up and clinched his fist for the punch. Ball or not, at least Mouton didn't have a closed fist.

Delany made his bed by suspending Mouton, if Purdue doesn't suspend Reckman for a game, the Big10 now has to.

This is going to get old really fast. There was no reason for Delany to reach over RR's head and set this precedent.

9-21-2009 @ 1:37PM

michaelfreres said...

WTF is wrong with everybody saying he tried to cause a fumble? The play was dead. The ball carrier's knees touched the ground. This was a totally flagrant foul and until these penalties get tougher this bull will continue. 3 game suspension and I guarantee this nonsense will stop!