The SEC was swift in handing down a one-game suspension to Mississippi State senior center Dillon Day on Tuesday afternoon, who stomped on two LSU players in last Saturday’s contest in Baton Rouge in addition to committing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a late hit against the Tigers.

Day issued a letter to Bulldogs’ fans Monday attempting to explain his actions and denying any malicious intent. He said he had discussed the plays with head coach Dan Mullen, who appeared to side with his fifth-year senior.

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After the suspension was handed down Tuesday, Mullen was quick to give his own response to the punishment.

“We completely disagree with the ruling that was given to us by the league, but we are going to follow the commissioner’s decision,” Mullen told The Dispatch on Tuesday.

The head coach took Day’s side on the matter, asserting he did not think his center had made any dirty plays in the win over the Tigers.

“I didn’t see anything wrong with (his play),” Mullen said.

The Bulldogs are off this week but return to action on Oct. 4 against No. 6 Texas A&M. Day will not play in that game as he serves his suspension, which could kill some of the momentum Mississippi State gained in its win in Death Valley. Day, who has started more games (38) than any other current MSU player during his career, will return on Oct. 11 when Mississippi State takes on another top 10 team from the SEC West, the No. 5 Auburn Tigers.

“We will have to move a bunch of guys around and mix and mingle some things, no different than if he was injured,” Mullen said of his line adjustments for the game against the Aggies.



Guard Ben Beckwith is expected to move inside to center in Day’s place.