Louisiana Tech athletics moved quickly on Saturday after an ugly incident involving linebacker Brevin Randle during Friday night’s college football game against UTEP. The Bulldogs have suspended him indefinitely.
A timeline for Randle’s return is not set. More than likely, he will miss the remainder of the season.
It is very possible, if not probable that he will never suit up for Louisiana Tech again. Randle may choose to enter the transfer portal and seek opportunity elsewhere. He may go the JUCO route.
All of that is up in the air. What is for certain is that Randle is not with the program.
And, from the sound of it, he understands why that is the case.
Coach Cumbie and I met with Brevin Randle today and informed him that he has been suspended indefinitely as a result of the incident during last night’s game versus UTEP. In speaking with Brevin, he acknowledges that his action was wrong and understands the consquence of that action. Out University, athletic department, and football program believe in culture, class and competitive excellence and in no way was that displayed in that moment.
— Louisiana Tech athletic director Eric Wood
The moment to which Wood is speaking took place during the second quarter.
Randle was on the wrong end of a powerful blindside block during a loose ball scrum. He was frustrated with the Miners offensive lineman’s seemingly unnecessary shove and retaliated with a late hit of his own.
As he stood back to his feet, Randle stomped directly on the opponent’s head. There was no question as to whether it might have been a mistake. It was not. It was deliberate and intentional.
Somehow, amid all of the chaos, Randle got away with the stomp. The officials (and everybody else at the game) did not see it happen. He did not get flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
However, the cameras caught Louisiana Tech linebacker Brevin Randle in 4K.
Video of the incident made it abundantly clear that Randle was at fault.
Randle likely thought that he escaped the ugly incident unscathed until he returned to his phone after the game saw the video plastered everywhere online. He received his punishment less than 24 hours later and accepted his fate.
Brevin Randle will have the opportunity to learn from his mistakes. It is unclear if Lousiana Tech would ever be willing to bring him back. As of right now, the timeline is indefinite.