Anyone who isn’t after Carolina, you know, the ABC crowd, can plainly see in replays that UNC’s Shakeel Rashad did not intentionally run into Duke receiver Conner Vernon yet the ACC has levied a one-game suspension against Rashad for doing just that in the Devils 33-30 win over the Heels.

Everyone seems so afraid of not acting quickly and decisively these days that they overreact. Also, it seems in vogue these days to come down hard on Carolina because of all the controversy surrounding the program. Perhaps the fact than Vernon is a star weighs into the decision as well.

If I haven’t been clear and decisive enough, Rashad should not have been suspended. Replays clearly show that Vernon stuck his leg back getting in his ready position just as Rashad was running quickly onto the field. It was an accident. No way was he intentionally running into Vernon. In addition to the video evidence, why would Rashad risk injury to himself?

If the ACC is going to re-visit that situation, they certainly should take a look at Duke center Brian Moore rolling up UNC defensive tackle Tim Jackson well away from a play. With Jackson well away from the action, Moore went to the ground and rolled over on Jackson’s legs. As a result, Jackson was injured and will be out two or three games.

The ACC actually gave out three suspensions as a result of the game but none involve Moore. The official release from the ACC states, “North Carolina freshman linebacker Shakeel Rashad has received a one-game suspension for his dangerous collision against an unsuspecting Duke player during a substitution in the second quarter. In addition, head linesman Tyrone Davis and side judge Angie Bartis have been issued one-game suspensions for failure to adhere to correct mechanics of the game and rules related to player safety.”

UNC AD Bubba Cunningham is upset – and should be – that the ACC came down with the ruling without even speaking to Rashad. “I spoke to Shakeel in the locker room after the game and he was obviously upset about making contact, but insisted that it was unintentional and a result of rushing to get on the field as quickly he could,” Cunningham said. “We are disappointed with the decision to suspend him for a game. I don’t understand how the conference can suspend a player who was involved in such an unusual play without speaking to him.”

For his part Rashad said, “I want to apologize to Duke’s Conner Vernon for running into him during Saturday’s game. I was in a hurry to get on the field and focused on where I was going. I have been playing football for most of my life and I have never been involved in that type of incident. I did not mean to run into him and I’m glad he was not hurt. He’s a great receiver and I wish him the best.”

I’d like to hear what Duke center Brian Moore has to say about going after Jackson’s legs with a roll block.