NIU's Jones-Davis apologizes to SDSU's Penny for eye gouge

Oct 3, 2017 - 5:36 PM Suspended Northern Illinois linebacker Antonio Jones-Davis apologized to San Diego State standout running back Rashaad Penny for gouging his eyes during Saturday's game.

The incident occurred with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter when Jones-Davis and Penny were involved in a pile-up of players on the ground. Television replays showed Jones-Davis reach his right hand inside Penny's facemask.

Penny headed to the sidelines with both hands over his eyes. No penalty was called on the play.

Penny, the nation's second-leading rusher with 823 yards, said he received a call from Jones-Davis and Huskies coach Rod Carey on Monday.

"He said he's sorry and everything else," Penny told reporters. "The head coach did as well. It looks like a bad play. It's high emotions. They're playing in a big game. They're playing in a big atmosphere against us. When you come in and play against a high team like us, No. 19, you're excited. Your emotions get the best of you.

"It's really no grudges I have against anybody. I get up and smile after everything. Honestly, I think it made us better."

Aztecs coach Rocky Long said he exchanged text messages with Carey about the situation on Sunday night and Monday. Long was pleased that the phone conversation occurred.

"I'm sure that they're good young men and they worked it out among themselves," Long said.

Jones-Davis was suspended for one game on Sunday after Carey reviewed film of the incident. The Huskies host Kent State on Saturday.

"Antonio's action in that emotional moment was completely unacceptable, and he understands that he must face the consequences," Carey said in part in his Sunday statement. "He has taken full responsibility for his actions and voiced to me his disappointment in himself that he embarrassed the university and the football program."

Penny was sporting a swollen eye on Monday and the No. 19 Aztecs (5-0) plan to have him wear a visor for this Saturday's game at UNLV.