An LSU cheerleader has come under fire on social media for shoving an unsuspecting Ole Miss football player during a game between the Tigers and Rebels.
The event occurred late in the second half of play, as the Tigers attempted to finish a comeback effort in the fourth quarter.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier connected with tight end Mason Taylor for a first down. The pass catcher’s elbow impacted the ground as he sought to advance the ball up the field, but that didn’t stop him from sprinting to the endzone.
Taylor’s momentum pushed him into a group of LSU cheerleaders, despite an Ole Miss defender after him and attempting to tackle him.
The LSU cheerleader just shoves the Ole Miss player at the end of this play. pic.twitter.com/bdBhAaUrpo
— AJ Ellingson (@AJ__Ellingson) October 13, 2024
One of the Tigers was spotted shoving the defensive back and taunting him from the sidelines.
A closer inspection reveals the place of contact more clearly.
Cheerleader assault!!! #olemiss #lsu #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/v3iFatzuKh
— Barth (@thatsrightbarth) October 13, 2024
The Rebels safety Trey Washington did not react to the play, but Georgia head coach Kirby Smart received criticism for pushing Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren on the sidelines during a win over the Bulldogs. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey believes a flag should have been thrown in that case.
While Mason Taylor’s reception was ruled down, LSU went on to score, sending the game into overtime. The Tigers subsequently scored a touchdown pass on their first offensive play of the game to win 29-26.
