Just when you thought we put all the flag planting behind us, we have a new controversy surrounding a Michigan State/Notre Dame game. If you watched the game you will remember the play where Notre Dame safety Chinedum Ndukwe was flagged for hitting Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton as he ran out of bounds. Then a mini-brawl ensued after Michigan State receiver Matt Trannon jumped in the mix.
What I didn't understand was why Trannon was flagged for a penalty. It looked as if he was grabbed by a Notre Dame coach and was just trying to get his quarterback out of harms' way. But after reading articles from
Yahoo and
The Detroit Free Press we find out that the Irish's head coach Charlie Weis told the officials that Trannon slapped him. Well that is what was said at his post-game interview. That's why there were offsetting penalties, instead just one personal foul on the Irish for a late hit.
What did the five fingers say to the face? SLAP!
So John L Smith opened his press conference this week by showing the incident and pointed out that there were no Spartan players around Weis when the supposed slap occurred. So who is lying here? Weis now claims that it could've been one of his players that slapped him. Either way I blame the official if he called the penalty based on what Weis. As an official you don't call a penalty you don't see. And Mr. Weis if you are lying then shame on you. You are employed by a Catholic University and under their morals lying is frowned upon. What sort of example are you setting for you kids if you lie to get a call? But I am sure all the Notre Dame apologists will find a way to cleanse Weis of his sins.
