Mark Stoops changes tune on targeting against Kash Daniel, supports call
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Kentucky LB Kash Daniel was flagged and ejected for targeting in the third quarter of UK’s 24-10 win over South Carolina.
After the game, Wildcats coach Mark Stoop made some comments that turned heads, saying there was “nothing malicious” about Daniel’s hit.
“There was nothing malicious about that. He didn’t mean to target somebody who was very very close from what I could tell,” Stoops said Saturday night.
Many who had seen the play were surprised by Stoops’ take.
Kash Daniel with a vicious block on the interception return. pic.twitter.com/bOmOxz780b
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) September 30, 2018
Speaking to the media on Monday, Stoops changed his tune. He no longer argued the points that Daniel’s hit wasn’t malicious or that the linebacker did not mean to target. Instead, Stoops said he supported the call.
Mark Stoops said he supports the call against Kash Daniel. Said it was the correct call.
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) October 1, 2018
Stoops also made it clear that there will be no appeal on Daniel’s status. He is set to miss the first half of the UK-Texas A&M game.
Stoops, on the targeting call on @KashDaniel15 – Way I understand it, if it’s called on the field and then reviewed any contact to facemask and it will be upheld.
It is not open for appeal. He will miss 1st half this week.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 1, 2018
Stoops says they did not consider appealing Kash Daniel’s targeting suspension for first half of A&M game. Said he fully supports the call, that the rule states you cannot hit any part of the opponent’s facemask.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 1, 2018
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
