Oct 13, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman LaMichael Fanning (44) draws an unsportsmanlike penalty as he tackles Missouri Tigers running back Russell Hansbrough (32) in the fourth quarter at Farout Field. The Crimson Tide won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

The Southeastern Conference has decided not to suspend Alabama defensive end LaMichael Fanning for his suplex tackle against Missouri.

The conference released the following statement:

The NCAA football playing rules call for mandatory conference review following specific fouls. The SEC has been diligent in reviewing plays that by rule involve the initiation of contact and targeting defenseless opponents to the head and neck area. The conference maintains constant communication with head coaches on matters of penalty violations during the season.? In the first instance discipline for violations involving non-NCAA-required automatic conference review are to be handled by the institution subject to the approval of the league office.

Fanning, a redshirt freshman from Hamilton, Ga., was required to send an apology letter to both the palyer he tackled, Russell Hansbrough, and Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he and Pinkel had a conversation about the tackle on Sunday and that he would handle the situation within the program.