ESPN broadcast explains controversial Tony Perkins ejection vs. Florida

A potential game-changing play for Missouri occurred in the second half of Tuesday’s game against Florida. Tony Perkins was ejected from the game after being hit with a Flagrant 2 foul. Perkins hit Alijah Martin directly in the groin and after review, it was ruled a Flagrant 2.

Officials went to the monitor and apparently, they were not making a decision on a Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2. ESPN’s Mike Morgan explained exactly what was being reviewed, with the determination having to be incidental or not. Flagrant 1 was never going to be an option for Perkins, either getting nothing or the Flagrant 2.

“By rule, if it’s labeled non-incidental contact to the groin, it’s an automatic Flagrant 2,” Morgan said. “Flagrant 1 was never in play there and again, since it’s Flagrant 2, that is an ejection. So the question there wasn’t Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2. It was — if it was flagrant, since it was to the groin, it’s an automatic Flagrant 2. A massive call at this point of the game and we will see how it affects the momentum and personnel.”

Once the ruling was made, there was a slight delay in the game. Perkins did not realize he was being thrown out of the game. Even Mizzou head coach Dennis Gates was confused, wondering why a Flagrant 2 was called. A brief explanation was given by officials before free throws were taken by Florida.

Perkins was not having the best game, only having four points at the time of his ejection. Going from 1-6 was unlike some of his Missouri teammates, who are having decent offensive games. You can add three rebounds and two assists to the stat line for the guard.

Even so, his presence would have been a big one down the stretch. Mizzou is attempting to pull off an incredible upset, taking down No. 5 Florida at home. Gates’ team has made some noise early in SEC play, having a 2-1 record. However, this would be the biggest win of them all for the Tigers.

Hopefully, this play will not be a massive talking point postgame. More information surely will come from Gates afterward, explaining what officials told him about the situation. Perkins could potentially give his point of view as well.