Michael Bacigalupi
By Hunt Palmer
LSU safety AJ Haulcy could be facing a first half suspension against Clemson Saturday night.
Haulcy was ejected from Houston’s regular season finale in 2024 for fighting. He was involved in an altercation in the endzone with just under three minutes to play in the game.
Under NCAA rules, a player who is ejected during the final game of the season does have to serve the half suspension in the first game of the following season.
Below is the except from SECTION 5 of the NCAA rulebook.
SECTION 5. FIGHTING
ARTICLE 1. a. Before the game, squad members in uniform or coaches shall
not participate in a fight (Rule 2-32-1).
During the first half, players shall not participate in a fight.
PENALTY—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding
spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict
with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game [S7,
S27 or S38, and S47].
b. During the half-time intermission, squad members in uniform or coaches
shall not participate in a fight.
During the second half, players shall not participate in a fight.
FR-112
PENALTY—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding
spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict
with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game and
the first half of the next game [S7, S27 or S38, and S47]. For
fighting in the last game of a season, those with remaining
eligibility shall serve suspensions during the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.
Houston did not participate in a bowl game a season ago, so the opener at Clemson would be the next game for which Haulcy is eligible.
Haulcy was a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection last season and has been working as a starting safety throughout fall camp. Tamarcus Cooley has manned the other side of the field.
Javien Toviano, Jardin Gilbert and Dashawn Spears have also rotated at safety though Gilbert has worked as the second team STAR in recent weeks.
An LSU spokesperson said neither the Southeastern Conference or LSU were aware of the potential suspension and that Clemson reported the suspected issue.
Brian Kelly is scheduled to meet reporters Thursday evening after practice.
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