Stone Cold Steve Austin Doesn't Like College Football's New Targeting Penalty

In an effort to reduce the kind of hits that produce concussions the brain trust in charge of college football decided that players that appear to "target" another, hit them with the crown of the helmet when they are in a defenseless position.

The purpose behind the penalty is a good one, but the problem is that it is a bit subjective when it comes to execution--like when it was called in the Texas A&M/Alabama game.

Gifdsports.com

Alabama's Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix was called fore targeting here by the refs meaning that the A&M drive was going to get a boost with a 15-yard penalty and he would be ejected (as well as suspended for the first half of the next game).

The commentators thought the penalty was questionable and according to Twitter he was not alone. There were several entertaining comments, but the best one had to come from wrestling icon Stone Cold Steve Austin:

What a bullshit call on the Bama player. I might as well start watching Tiddlywinks.
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) September 14, 2013

Tell us how you feel Stone Cold.

While college football is trying to make the game safer erroneous calls can really affect not just the outcome of the game the penalty is called in, but the next game as well since the player is out for the first half.

The NCAA brain trust must have realized this so they decided to allow for a review. The 15-yard end of the penalty will still stand, but the player can be allowed back into the game (and not be suspended in the following one).

In this case the refs reversed their decision and let him Clinton-Dix back in the game. Hopefully the refs will get better at calling this one as the season progresses.