LSU announced Monday it will suspend senior offensive guard Josh Boutte for one game for his hit against Wisconsin’s junior defensive back D’Cota Dixon.
“Josh made a mistake and will serve a one game suspension because of it,” said LSU coach Les Miles in a statement. “Even though this was done by mistake, a play like this does not belong in the game of football, and therefore action must be taken.”
Moments after Dixon intercepted LSU junior quarterback Brandon Harris’ pass late in the fourth quarter, Dixon began running off the field, celebrating his game-sealing interception.
Seconds later, Boutte clipped Dixon neck-high and was ejected from the game.
After LSU’s 16-14 loss to unranked Wisconsin, Miles said Boutte initially told him he thought the play was still live and that was his reasoning for tackling Dixon.
Boutte will miss the Tigers’ home opener on Sept. 10 against Jacksonville State.
“This play does not define Josh as a person and is not indicative of the type of player he is,” Miles said. “We sincerely apologize for his mistake.”
Miles said Boutte called Dixon on Monday to apologize for the illegal hit.
Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey said his office will not take any further action with his suspension, according to a statement.
“The game officials correctly assessed a penalty and ejection for Mr. Boutte’s flagrant contact,” Sankey said. “I have accepted the one-game suspension imposed by Les Miles and, because LSU has taken appropriate action, have determined that no additional penalty shall be imposed by the Conference office.”