Auburn's Jahquez Robinson ejected after controversial targeting call in Iron Bowl originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
SEC officials had another controversial call Saturday in the Iron Bowl. Auburn’s Jahquez Robinson was ejected after slight contact with Alabama's Ty Simpson on a blitz.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe call was debated by the broadcast crew in real time. Robinson was penalized on what was originally ruled roughing the passer, but confirmed targeting after a booth review initiated by a replay assist.
ESPN rules analyst Bill Lemonnier immediately disagreed with the call and review. “I don’t have forcible contact,” Lemonnier said. “I wouldn’t go targeting on that.”
Chris Fowler noted most contact appeared to land below the helmet, adding to the controversy. The overturned call resulted in Robinson’s ejection for the remainder of the game.
Because the penalty was confirmed in the second half, Robinson would also miss the first half of Auburn’s upcoming bowl game if the team becomes bowl-eligible, per NCAA rules.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAuburn trailed at the time of the hit, and the sequence punctuated a rivalry night defined by physicality, replay intervention, and disagreement over intent versus impact.
The game was tied at 20 with eight minutes left.
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