Eye Sore: Gators Spikes Gets Half-Game Suspension For Gouge Attempt

November 2, 2009 5:13 p.m. EST

Gainesville, FL (AHN) - Florida will be missing the services of Brandon Spikes for the first half of Saturday's clash vs. Vanderbilt after the star linebacker was suspended Monday for an attempted eye-gouge during Saturday's win over Georgia.

Florida coach Urban Meyer suspended the All-America middle linebacker for attempting to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in Saturday's 41-17 win at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

Meyer reportedly spoke to Gators defensive captain, who issued a statement Monday apologizing for the incident.

The 22-year-old senior linebacker was reportedly retaliating for an earlier incident during last Saturday's encounter.

The SEC, after a review, released a statement Monday accepting the disciplinary actions handed down by the University.

Spikes, considered as the Gators' leader and one of the team's most emotional players, will be replaced for the first half of Saturday's tilt by senior Ryan Stamper.

Stamper is a starter at outside linebacker.