Washington State's Deone Bucannon Suspended For 1st Half Vs. UNLV

Washington St. Cougars safety Deone Bucannon has been suspended by the Pac-12 for the first half of the team's game against the UNLV Rebels on Friday, according to CougCenter.

Bucannon hit Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Greg Herd late and high as he came across the middle on an overthrown pass and was penalized for on the field for the hit. After further video review by the NCAA -- a required action for all defenseless-opponent penalties that do not result in immediate disqualification -- the Pac-12 handed down the half-game suspension.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott spoke on the ruling:

"While Mr. Bucannon was penalized on the field, I have deemed it necessary to add a half-game suspension," said Scott. "This disciplinary action was part of our weekly review of all targeting and unnecessary roughness hits." "In order to appropriately protect our student-athletes, it is imperative that we monitor and when needed, act in situations where a blow to the head of a defenseless player was flagrant and/or unwarranted, especially in situations where the hit occurred well after the play was over" added Scott.

For a GIF of the hit and analysis by SB Nation's Brian Floyd, be sure to check out this article.

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