UCLA football coach Bob Chesney didn't mince words about the punch on Nico Iamaleava from Oregon defensive lineman Bear Alexander in the Bruins' road win on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The first-year Bruins coach called it "egregious" during his news conference on Monday, Oct. 12.
"Well, that's the play that we came out, and I was talking to Nico. He's like, ‘They keep punching me in the face.' I'm like,' Alright, I'll take a look at it. I'll tell the refs.' I didn't see it from that because it was on their sideline. But when you see it, it's certainly egregious," Chesney said. "It shouldn't be a play that is allowed to occur in the sport, and it's a shame that that was missed.
Football Playoff hopes
Iamaleava's injury came late in the second quarter when he scrambled and was tackled by Alexander and Oregon linebacker Jerry Mixon. Iamaleava’s left leg appeared to get twisted during the tackle, which is also when he took the hit to his head from Alexander.
Iamaleava missed just one play after the injury before being sidelined for the entire second half, with UCLA backup Ty Dieffenbach taking over at quarterback in his absence.
The second-year Bruins starting quarterback is reportedly expected to miss the remainder of the season with a leg injury. As noted by USA TODAY Sports' Jordan Mendoza, Chesney didn’t say Iamaleava is out for the season on Monday speaking to reporters, but did mention there is "serious concern" as they await more results.
UCLA moved up to No. 12 in the US LBM Coaches Poll with its win over Oregon. The Bruins host Wisconsin at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Rose Bowl.
USA TODAY Sports' Jordan Mendoza contributed to this story.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bob Chesney rails against 'egregious' punch on Nico Iamaleava from Bear Alexander
