The San Diego State Aztecs rode a 17-point second quarter to victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday. The final score wasn’t the main topic of conversation after the game, though. On Monday, Yahoo! News reporters that Northern Illinois linebacker Antonio Jones-Davis apologized to Aztec running back Rashaad Penny for gouging him in the eye while they were at the bottom of a pile.
TV cameras clearly caught Jones-Davis sticking his fingers into Penny’s facemask following a kickoff return. Penny needed eyedrops in his eye and had to wear a visor to protect his eyes from further damage.
Jones-Davis apology was well received, and Penny said that he appeared sincere.
All parties involved are intent on moving past the ugliness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1lpfzGbMmM
”He said he’s sorry and everything else,” said Penny, the nation’s second-leading rusher. ”The head coach did as well. It looks like a bad play. It’s high emotions. They’re playing in a big game. They’re playing in a big atmosphere against us. When you come in and play against a high team like us, No. 19, you’re excited. Your emotions get the best of you. … It’s really no grudges I have against anybody. I get up and smile after everything. Honestly, I think it made us better.”
The Aztecs are off to a hot start, and Penny has been the engine of the team. The running back has been surprisingly understanding throughout the entire ordeal, citing “high emotions” as a reason why Jones-Davis might behave the way he did.
Penny says his vision is perfect, and that the swelling around his eye isn’t as bad as it looks.
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