Texas Tech Red Raiders sophomore forward JT Toppin was ejected from Saturday's Big 12 conference matchup against Houston for kicking an opposing player in the groin.
It happened less than four minutes into the game with Houston holding an early 7-5 lead. Toppin was being double-teamed when he jumped up and passed the ball across the court to teammate Chance McMillan. As Toppin was in the air, he kicked his leg out, making contact with Houston sophomore forward Joseph "JoJo" Tugler below the belt. As Tugler went down to the floor in pain, McMillan passed to a wide-open Elijah Hawkins, who hit a three-pointer to give Texas Tech an 8-7 lead.
The officials blew the whistle to stop play for the injured Tugler. After reviewing the play, Toppin was given a flagrant 2, leading to his ejection. Toppin was very surprised.
To top things off for Texas Tech, coach Grant McCasland was ejected for losing his mind while Tugler was taking the two technical free throws. McCasland appeared to be arguing that since Tugler was injured and had to go to the sideline, a different player should have taken the free throws. However, his argument fell on deaf ears, and he followed Toppin to the locker room.
Although the broadcasters did not agree with the call on Toppin, we have no issues with it. This trend of players kicking out their leg in front of them while shooting or passing the ball across the court seems so unnecessary. Despite there not being an intent to hurt opposing players, this is what happens, as was the case here. The officials need to get this nonsense out of the game.
Despite losing Toppin, their top scorer and rebounder, along with their head coach, the Red Raiders managed to overcome the adversity and upset the 6th-ranked Cougars 82-81.
[Video via ESPN. H/T @TheFieldOf68]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
