Football Player Brad Butler Suspended for One Game
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Oct. 10, 2005
Charlottesville, Va. – University of Virginia Athletics Director Craig Littlepage announced today that football player Brad Butler will be suspended from Saturday’s game against Florida State. Butler’s suspension stems from a controversial play against Boston College’s Mathias Kiwanuka early in the third quarter of UVa’s 28-17 loss this past weekend.
Butler, a senior from Lynchburg, Va., has started the last 31 games as an offensive tackle for Virginia.
Statement from UVa head coach Al Groh:
“Football is the most intense and physical of all games. Because it is so, all of us who have the privilege to participate should have the utmost respect for the game itself and for fellow players and coaches. On Saturday, Brad crossed the line in adhering to that standard, and for that he must take accountability. We have talked in detail and he has assured me that his actions on the play at issue were a result of over aggressiveness and over exuberance to block a challenging opponent and without malice. His intent was to take the player to the ground, not to inflict injury.
“In any case, we regret that the incident occurred and apologize to Mathias. We prize and promote sportsmanship, discipline and accountability and are all concerned that Brad did not handle himself in line with what we expect of a Virginia football player. He accepts responsibility for what occurred. Accordingly, we have agreed that it is right for him not to participate in this week’s game against Florida State. At the same time, I must emphasize that Brad has been a model student-athlete his entire time at Virginia and has always conducted himself with the highest standards of behavior on and off the field.
“We trust that this will underscore our values, our regret and our apology, and put the incident to rest.”
Statement from Brad Butler:
“I’ve never been one to play outside of the rules. I was not trying to hurt Mathias Kiwanuka. I was engaged in blocking him because he is the type of player who makes plays all over the field. I regret this event occurred and have put the incident behind me.”
Statement from Craig Littlepage:
“First and most importantly, I am focused on the safety of all college players–our own and those of our opponents. I am thankful no one was hurt as a result of this play and am sorry it occurred. I am also focused on how the University and Brad Butler, as well as all college football, will be viewed in the aftermath of the Boston College game.
“In the past few days I have worked with Coach Groh in reviewing game tapes. I have also been in consultation with Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford and his staff. Finally, Brad Butler and I have had a chance to talk about what took place in the game. Based on everything being considered, I believe Brad’s suspension for this Saturday’s game with Florida State is appropriate.
“Brad is a hard-working and aggressive lineman who has no pattern of unsportsmanlike play; his history is one of playing by the rules on and off the field. He stated it was not his intention to hurt anyone during Saturday’s game and our hope is that the entire Boston College team will understand this.”