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Don't Call Him Dirty

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football, razorbacks

Updated: 10/30/2011 4:31 pm

Published: 10/29/2011 3:23 pm

Whether it's a Razorback, Rebel, Bulldog or Commodore, you can't label a player "dirty" by looking at just one play.

Arkansas freshman Marquel Wade leveled a Vanderbilt punt returner, celebrated the hit, then was promptly ejected.

The Vanderbilt player NEVER signaled a fair catch and looked like he was about to field the football. Wade, a true freshman wide receiver, decked him. Was it a penalty? Sure, that's why they threw the flag, but it was far from malicious, and certainly not premeditated. Besides, the ejection wasn't for the hit, it was for Wade's reaction.

After the play, Wade celebrated the big hit. Also a penalty, but nothing outlandish. He didn't stand over the Vanderbilt player, he didn't point, he didn't taunt. He was just reacting to making a play. The NCAA, and specifically the SEC, has made a point to crack down on post-play celebration. Whether it's right or wrong doesn't matter, Wade should know better, but it doesn't make him "dirty."

I saw a talented, but inexperienced freshman who exhibited poor judgment on one play.

For me that's not enough to brand someone as "dirty," "cheap," or a "thug."

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Fardy McPooter - 11/1/2011 11:25 AM

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"dirty" "cheap" "thug" ?! NO, Emotionally immature ?! Yes. But his actions after being ejected are suspect also. Wade lowered his head in a spear and that was plainly caught on EVERY camera angle. His intent was to inflict pain, no amount of defensive posturing can spin this otherwise. try watching the game with your "HAWG" colored glasses off.

kdye01 - 10/31/2011 9:00 AM

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buckwild and buckeye, watch the video again, he never signaled for a fair catch, he blocked the sun from his eyes. he was also at full stride for the ball. wade lowered his head and took his eyes off the player. that right there was the inexperience of the player. I don't think he knew the kid didn't have the ball. look at it this way vandy's LB knocking the mess out of Wilson from behind and getting up flexing, jumping up and down. come on it is a full contact sport. Were you on the field at the time of the play? were you any part of the play? do you know what was going through his and the other players head at the time? I am sure you will answer all of those NO. so Grow up.

Tired - 10/31/2011 7:07 AM

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jeez get over yourselves... yeah he's dirty...football in General is dirty...if he would have been hurt on a legal play NOTHING would have been said...the oficials are idiots that reacted to him celebrating not calmly looking at the infraction....thrown out for excessive celebration and poor sportsmanship...hmmm michael Vick started against the Cowboys last night...he should still be in jail...wonder why all these kids think its OK

ladyofthehill - 10/31/2011 6:49 AM

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If the coach used the F word he didn't show good judgement either.

tjrhea - 10/30/2011 8:04 PM

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I was at this game. Lots of Hog fans cheered when they ejected Wade including myself. No place on the field for crap like that.

Buckeye - 10/30/2011 6:25 PM

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I agree with buckwild. I watched the game, saw the hit - he did signal for a fair catch just before he ran up to field the ball, and was hit by a player that wanted to lay the big hit. It was a selfish play that only benefits himself. I could go along with the idea that it was a mistake right up until he began celebrating and then as he left the field yelled up at the Vandy fans - talked a lot of trash to them - (for those of you that can read lips, he dropped the f-bomb a lot, and also extended his middle finger to the crowd behind his helmet.) That part didn't get replayed at all. Just ask the poor Arkansas coach that had to grab him by the collar and told him to "shut the 'f' up" (again, you could read those lips pretty clearly) and force him into the locker room. Not exactly the actions of a remorseful player that knew he hurt another athlete, could have ruined his life, not to mention how he hurt his team with such a selfish act. There needs to be a lot of coaching for that young man who sure fit the description of a "dirty player" by his actions AND words. Time will tell.

buckwild - 10/29/2011 11:04 PM

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this is the worst article i have ever read. whoever wrote this knows nothing about football if they think that the fact the returner NEVER called a fair catch is relevant at all. Fair catch or not there is to be no contact before the ball gets there. I mean if it wasnt a clean hit.....i guess it was dirty. A lack of experience? You mean he doesnt know the rules? how does he get on a football team? Fact of the matter, he did it for a big hit, didnt care if the ball was there. And if ignorance or inexperience is the excuse we are going with then he doesnt belong on the field and thats why he was removed.

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