Top-ranked Florida will be without star linebacker Brandon Spikes for the first half of Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt.

Coach Urban Meyer suspended Spikes on Monday, two days after the defensive captain apparently attempted to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in a 41-17 victory.

“I don’t condone that,” Meyer said. “I understand what goes on on the football (field), but there’s no place for that. We’re going to suspend Brandon for the first half of the Vanderbilt game. I spoke with him. That’s not who he is. That’s not who we are. He got caught up in emotion.”

Spikes issued a statement apologizing for what he did.

“I accept responsibility for my actions and I accept the consequences of my actions,” he said. “I would like to apologize to my team and the coaching staff and Washaun Ealey. Football is a very physical and emotional game, but there is no excuse for my actions.”

Meyer’s wife mentioned Spikes’ actions to him Sunday night, then defensive coordinator Charlie Strong did the same Monday morning. Meyer’s said his first reaction was to move on. Then he saw a replay of the incident, which shows Spikes shoving his glove-covered right hand into Ealey’s facemask and moving it back and forth.

Meyer then spoke to Spikes and determined he was retaliating after getting his helmet ripped off and eye poked earlier in the game. Meyer also talked to Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive, but Florida officials said the decision was Meyer’s.

“We understand the game of football,” Meyer said. “Some of us have played it. Very emotional things happened in that game in particular that were not good for either side, but the bottom line is we’re Florida and he’s Brandon Spikes and we expect certain things. He understands.”

The SEC issued a statement saying it reviewed and accepted the discipline handed down by Florida.

Eastern safety honored

Eastern Washington’s Matt Johnson, who tied a Big Sky Conference record by intercepting four passes in the 47-10 win over Portland State, was selected as the Sports Network National Defensive Player of the Week.

Johnson is a sophomore strong safety and a graduate of Tumwater High School.

Syracuse receiver quits

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said goodbye to his star receiver.

Mike Williams, the Big East’s leading receiver, quit the team. He had 49 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns.

Schembechler son files suit

The son of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler is suing his stepmother in Ohio over concerns about a trust her late husband created.

Glenn Schembechler III sued Kathryn Schembechler, his father’s third wife, in federal court in Columbus, Ohio, alleging that she is not supplying him with quarterly statements about the trust that he’s entitled to. The lawsuit says at least $75,000 is involved. Bo Schembechler died in 2006.

Extra points

Quarterback Tony Pike will practice with fourth-ranked Cincinnati this week, his status still uncertain because of an injury to his non-passing arm. … Auburn strong safety Zac Etheridge was released from the hospital, two days after suffering a neck injury against Mississippi. Coach Gene Chizik said Auburn’s medical staff is confident he will make a complete recovery.