CHAMPAIGN, Idaho, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown has been suspended for one game for apparently kneeing an opponent in the groin on purpose, Illini Coach Ron Zook said.
Brown had been slapped with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the illegal shot at a Northwestern lineman Saturday. He also received a penalty for roughing the passer on another play.
"We are extremely disappointed by what happened on Saturday and Jonathan knows that," Zook said in a statement. "We don't condone that type of behavior in our program. I've talked to Jonathan and he understands that. He is a good person, a spiritual person, and no one feels worse about it than him. But he got caught up in the moment, made a serious mistake and must deal with the consequences."
Brown is among Illinois' top defensive players with 30 tackles, including six for loss and two sacks. He had a team-high 11 tackles in the Illini's 38-35 win over Northwestern.
"I apologize to my family, my teammates and the Illinois fans for letting them down," Brown said. "I also would like to apologize to the Northwestern team for my actions. What I did was out of character and won't happen again."
Brown will miss 16th-ranked Illinois' game Saturday at Indiana.
