Video: Tennessee's Nigel Warrior ejected for brutal targeting hit on Texas A&M's '12th Man'
Tennessee freshman Nigel Warrior was ejected for targeting during a hit on Texas A&M’s “12th Man” Cullen Gillaspia during a punt return in the second quarter.
Nigel Warrior called for targeting. Play being reviewed. https://t.co/xUz9mMLQtE
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) October 8, 2016
Warrior’s hit was confirmed as targeting after an official review, which caused an automatic ejection. But former Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge disagrees with the call.
Doesn't look like targeting to me Mr. Smith. Refs are a joke! pic.twitter.com/vT4yQbAja1
— Erik Ainge (@ErikAinge3) October 8, 2016
A&M’s 12th man tradition began in 1922 when E. King Gill came down from the student section to suit up against Centre College. Gill never entered the game, but displayed a willingness to join the Aggies on the field. Since then, a chosen walk-on has been rewarded with a scholarship and the honor of wearing the No. 12 for the Aggies, which was bestowed upon Gillaspia just before the team’s season opener.
A&M leads Tennessee, 21-7, at halftime.