Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle was ejected during his team’s win over North Carolina State on Thursday night for punching an opponent. Throwing a swing at an opponent is typically an automatic ejection at any level of football. Battle managed to go above and beyond by throwing a vicious uppercut to the facemask of Wolfpack defensive back Jarvis Byrd.
The Tigers already had the game won at that point, but it would not be a surprise if Battle is suspended. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was not a happy camper after the game.
“Very disappointed in Isaiah Battle,” Swinney said, via Eye on College Football. “That can’t ever happen. Really, really disappointed. That’s not Clemson. That’s a lesson for every one of those guys in there, something we talked a lot about in the locker room.
“I will say this. [Battle] took ownership. He apologized immediately and he apologized to the team.”
Shoving is one thing. Throwing a haymaker is another, and it’s much more dangerous. The sophomore could have easily injured Byrd’s neck or jaw. Here’s another angle of the punch, courtesy of Deadspin:
GIF via SB Nation
