:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47278886/GettyImages-490197390.0.jpg)
Cal head coach Sonny Dykes submitted several plays for review from their victory over Washington for review with the Pac-12 office. One play in particular he mentioned was the late hit by Husky linebacker Azeem Victor on wide receiver Kenny Lawler.
@GoBearrs @azeem_vic36 @K_Law2nice It's an elbow drop to the head of a helmetless player. Unacceptable, @pac12. pic.twitter.com/H61N5ZYFLU
— Cal Gnome (@CalGnome) September 27, 2015
After going down to the ground, Victor appears to wind up with his elbow and hit Lawler in the back of the neck or head. Lawler was luckily not seriously hurt, but he got cut on the chin and was bloodied, had to leave the game for a stretch, and had to be stitched up afterwards.
S/O @pac12 letting UW @azeem_vic36 hit @K_Law2nice after he was down, knocking off helmet & splitting his chin open pic.twitter.com/TyKp29CSNG
— Do It 4 The Bay (@GoBearrs) September 27, 2015
Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle has more.
"It's definitely something we've seen," Dykes said of the hit. "We're submitting some plays to the league office ... and that'll be one of them."
There are plenty of dirty hits all over a football field, but this feels especially flagrant and really dangerous. An elbow to the back of the head is just one of those things that's illegal in all sports for the damage it can cause, especially considering its proximity to the spinal cord. Victor should know better.
You could also argue that UW cornerback Kevin King should have been penalized for targeting by leading with the helmet on Lawler, jarring both helmets loose. Victor's final hit took the helmet off entirely too, forcing him off the field for a critical 4th quarter red zone possession.
Kenny chimes in on Twitter.
Dude on some other shit https://t.co/4k0BsZGH3F
— Kenny Lawler (@K_Law2nice) September 28, 2015
You be the judge Cal fans. Should Victor be punished by the Pac-12?