To say Alabama outclassed USC in Arlington would be an understatement. Lopsided score aside, USC linebacker Jabari Ruffin did his team no favors when he stepped on Alabama cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick in the second quarter. Ruffin was immediately flagged and then ejected from the game by the ref that was standing right in front of the entire sequence.
Ever hear the phrase “Never tick off an elephant?” Well, I just made it up, I think, but bear with me. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but Alabama managed to go on an absolute tear from there. Alabama was leading the Trojans 10-3 at the time of the ejection, and it is very possible the Crimson Tide would have gone on to pull away with a big win anyway. From there, Alabama went on to cruise to a 52-6 victory. Making this moment even more discouraging from a sportsmanship point of view is it completely takes away from the gesture of Adoree’ Jackson, who was clearly attempting to lend a hand to help his opponent up when Ruffin stepped in from the other end of the sportsmanship rainbow.
#USC IL #40 Jabari Ruffin ejected after this incident. pic.twitter.com/92P6dlVWvi
— USCFootball.com (@ThePeristyle) September 4, 2016
USC’s Jabari Ruffin ejected after "Stomping on the family jewels" of a Bama player. #Classless
— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) September 4, 2016
Stupid and pathetic cheap shot by USC's Jabari Ruffin, who stomped on an Alabama players's groin area. Suspend him another game for that.
— Jon Solomon (@JonSolomon35) September 4, 2016
Too much Ruffin for Jabari, and he's been red carded.
— Reign of Troy Radio (@ReignofTroy) September 4, 2016
The folks in the Pac-12 office will likely take a closer look at this incident and could decide to issue a suspension to some degree in the next few days. It is certainly warranted.
