During the third quarter of November 13's game between the Northern Illinois Huskies and Toledo Rockets, Northern Illinois quarterback Ross Bowers slipped and fell to the turf of Toledo's Glass Bowl Stadium. Seconds later, Toledo defensive end Terrance Taylor rushed in and leveled Bowers from behind with a helmet-to-helmet hit.

Taylor was called for targeting, and ejected from the game. He would have been suspended for at least the half of the Rockets' next game per NCAA rules. However, on November 14, Rockets head coach Jason Candle announced that Taylor would be suspended for all of Toledo's next game on November 20 against the Buffalo Bulls. Candle said that he intended to use this as "a teaching tool." 

Anyone who knows about football and saw that hit would conclude that this isn't nearly far enough. For one thing, Taylor took at least three steps before launching into Bowers. He had more than enough time to see that Bowers was down and out of the play, and kept going.

Additionally, Taylor led with his helmet. As bad as that would have been by itself in an age where we are particularly concerned about concussions, he did so from behind, with Bowers completely defenseless.

Simply put, this was not just a "teaching tool." It was one of the dirtiest hits in recent football history. In light of recent concerns about player safety, firm measures are necessary to send the message that hits like this have no place in the game.

It's not enough to make Taylor sit out one game. In order to send a message that hits like this are not acceptable, he must never be allowed to suit up for the University of Toledo again. Additionally, Candle and athletic director Mike O'Brien must offer a full apology to Bowers and NIU. It cannot be stated enough--this is not part of the game and must not be allowed to appear to be part of the game.