LSU Suspends OG Josh Boutte for Illegal Hit on Wisconsin DB DCota Dixon

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

LSU head coach Les Miles took swift action after the Tigers’ 16-14 season opening loss to Wisconsin suspending offensive lineman Josh Boutte for a violent late hit on defensive back D’Cota Dixon.

With 1:04 left in the game, LSU starting quarterback Brandon Harris took a snap from the 45 yard line. After scrambling, a poorly thrown pass directly to Dixon was intercepted at the 25 yard line. Dixon fell down when he made the pick, popped up, ran about five yards and then was leveled by Boutte on a clothes line kind of tackle. Dixon, a 5-10, 197 pound safety, never saw the 6-5, 346 pound, guard coming.

Boutte was immediately kicked out of the game for the illegal hit.

After the game Miles seemed shocked by Boutte’s actions stating, “He’s not a malicious guy.” On Monday, Boutte called Dixon directly to apologize for the hit. Miles released a statement announcing the one-game suspension of his senior lineman:

“Josh made a mistake and will serve a one-game suspension because of it. Even though this was done by mistake, a play like this does not belong in the game of football and therefore action must be taken. The play does not define Josh as a person and is not indicative of the type of player he is. We sincerely apologize for his mistake.”

The loss of Boutte for LSU’s next game should not be felt. The Tigers take the field in their home opener against Jacksonville State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT airing on ESPNU.

Photo credit: buckys5thquarter.com; No. 76 Josh Boutte tackles No. 14 D’Cota Dixon on an illegal hit.