Big Ten fines Maryland, reprimands coach Randy Edsall and suspends WR Stefon Diggs
The Big Ten suspended Stefon Diggs, Maryland’s best receiver, and reprimanded Terps head coach Randy Edsall for violating the league’s “Sportsmanship Policy” before the game at Penn State over the weekend.
Several Maryland players “initiated a confrontation with Penn State players” before the game, and the conference “determined that Edsall failed to control his team.” Diggs’ actions “toward officials and opposing players” during this confrontation resulted in a one-game suspension, which will be served Nov. 15 against Michigan State.
Diggs, a junior, leads Maryland with 52 catches, 654 yards and five touchdown receptions. He was shown making contact with an official during the pre-game scrum, but was not ejected.
Lost in that Maryland-PSU scuffle was Stefon Diggs hitting a ref in the face. pic.twitter.com/au3cbIplUx
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) November 1, 2014
Additionally, Maryland made headlines when its captains refused to shake hands with Penn State’s captains during the pre-game coin toss. The Big Ten called this decision “exceptionally regrettable.”
“For many, many decades the intercollegiate pre-game handshake has been in place to reflect a spirit of good will and utmost appreciation for your opponent, the game and the institutions that sponsor your sport,” the Big Ten’s release said. “Selection as a team captain is an honor that carries with it a greater responsibility to act in a manner consistent with those principles.”
On top of that, the Big Ten fined Maryland $10,000.
After the game. Edsall apologized to Penn State and said the captains not shaking hands was “not orchestrated or choreographed.”
“That is not who we are,” Edsall said. “Our emotions got the best of us and we’ve got to be above that.”
In statements, Edsall "accepted full responsibility," while Diggs apologized for his actions.
From Edsall:
"I accept the penalties handed down by the Big Ten Conference and take full responsibility of our actions this past Saturday at Penn State. Our football program did not live up to the standards that we set for ourselves. Moving forward, we will use better judgment and remain composed so that we better represent the University of Maryland. We have learned from this experience and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again."
From Diggs:
"I sincerely apologize for my conduct prior to kickoff this weekend. I let my emotions get the best of me and did not properly represent myself as a student-athlete and leader of the University of Maryland football team. My behavior towards the officiating crew and the Penn State football team were unacceptable. I take accountability for my actions and will do everything I can to support my teammates in preparation for our next game against Michigan State."
For more Maryland news, visit TerrapinSportsReport.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
