USC’s Ruffin suspended for a half after crotch stomp vs Tide

USC defensive end Jabari Ruffin was ejected from last night’s loss to Alabama for stepping on Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick’s crotch.

Ruffin also must write a letter of apology to Fitzpatrick before Helton will let him take the field. “He is also. And I know that it will not happen again”. Two plays later, quarterback Max Browne threw an interception that Marlon Humphrey returned for a touchdown to extend Alabama’s lead to 17-3 with two minutes, 37 seconds left in the first half.

“He understands his conduct is unbecoming of a Trojan and there will be zero tolerance moving forward”, Helton said, per Kyle Bonagura of ESPN.

USC head coach Clay Helton was understandably not pleased with Ruffin, who was promptly ejected from the game for the horrific display of any kind of sportsmanship (especially considering the fact that Adoree’ Jackson was trying to help the player up).

It is unclear if he will face additional punishment from the Pac-12. Sophomore inside linebacker Osa Masina and redshirt sophomore defensive end Don Hill were suspended for the Alabama game for their involvement in a sexual assault investigation. Hill initially made the trip to Texas for the game against Alabama, but was sent home Friday after his alleged involvement was made public. Can’t fault Helton for discipling his guy though.