UCA football player suspended for first half of next game

FRISCO, Texas (Southland Conf.) -- The Southland Conference has imposed a half game suspension for Central Arkansas football student-athlete Jestin Love for targeting and initiating contact to the head or neck area of an opposing player during the team's game against Sam Houston State last Saturday in Conway, Ark.

Love will be suspended for the first half of Central Arkansas' game at Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.  The NCAA football playing rules require conferences to automatically review video of unnecessary roughness acts that target the head or neck to determine if additional sanctions are necessary, whether or not officials call a penalty at the time.

"As called for by the NCAA after a review of video, the Conference has confirmed the violation as a targeted hit to head and neck area, and after deliberation by the Conference's executive committee, the first half suspension was determined to be the appropriate penalty," Southland commissioner Tom Burnett said.

"The Southland always strives to ensure the safety and well-being of its student-athletes within the NCAA playing rules during competition."