SMU defensive back Brandon Crossley was ejected from the team's victory over Nevada on Saturday night for spitting in the face of another player.
SMU defensive back Brandon Crossley's night came to an abrupt end on Saturday night when he was ejected from the team's victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack for spitting in the face of another player.
Crossley, a senior from Dallas, had not recorded any statistics before being thrown out of the game in the third quarter. The referees called an unsportsmanlike penalty on Crossley and ejected him.
SMU Player Ejected for Spitting on Opponent
"Officials make calls, and we've got to live with it. They do a good job running the game," Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee said after the game, via the Dallas Morning News. "It's really hard for guys to control their emotions when they get spit on, but they've got to."
The penalty kept Nevada's drive alive, and the Wolf Pack scored a touchdown to take a 24-13 lead.
SMU Player Ejected for Spitting on Opponent
"That's on us. It cost us him, and it cost our team," Lashlee added. "We've got to be better than that. We've got to have composure. There's a difference between playing with passion and emotion. We were emotional a lot tonight. We've got to be passionate. Big difference."
Lashlee also mentioned that there was another spitting incident earlier in the game. He said wide receiver Jordan Hudson told him he was spat on in the first quarter, which is why he was seen slapping Nevada's Kristopher Ross.
SMU Player Ejected for Spitting on Opponent
No penalty was called for spitting at that time.
SMU ultimately won the game on a Preston Stone touchdown pass to RJ Maryland with 1:18 left in the game.
The Mustangs' victory over the Wolf Pack was their first of the season, and they will look to improve to 2-0 when they host the Lamar Cardinals next Saturday.
Crossley's ejection is a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and composure on the field. While emotions can run high in competitive environments, it is essential for players to maintain their composure and respect their opponents.
