Florida's Meyer backpedals, suspends Spikes for full game

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - Florida head coach Urban Meyer amended the suspension he handed Brandon Spikes, increasing the star linebacker's ban from one half to a full game.

Spikes was caught trying to gouge the eye of Georgia running back Washaun Early during last Saturday's 41-17 victory over the Bulldogs, and Meyer announced the senior was suspended for the first half of this week's game against Vanderbilt.

But on Wednesday, Meyer upped that suspension to the entire contest against the Commodores.

"A lot of the negative things out there really weighing heavy on [Spikes'] heart right now, and so as a group we decided the best interest [is] just for the team to not play him Saturday," Meyer said after practice, according to the Florida Times-Union.

That group included Spikes, who said he did not want to be a distraction for his team.

Spikes is the fourth-leading tackler for the top-ranked Gators with 42 stops despite missing a game. He also has three sacks and an interception return for a touchdown.

Meyer may face punishment himself from SEC Commissioner Mike Slive for comments about officiating in the SEC's teleconference.  He told reporters Wednesday the officials missed a late hit on quarterback Tim Tebow in last Saturday's game against Georgia.