Big Ten suspends Stefon Diggs, fines Maryland over pregame actions vs. Penn State

The Big Ten has suspended Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs one game for his actions before the Terrapins' game at Penn State on Saturday, the conference announced Monday.

Head coach Randy Edsall received a public reprimand along with Diggs, and the conferenced fined the university $10,000. Diggs will miss the Terps' home game against Michigan State on Nov. 15.

Before kickoff in State College, Maryland and Penn State scuffled as the Terrapins entered the playing field. In that scrum, Diggs made clear contact with a game official. Afterward, Diggs and fellow Maryland captains Sean Davis and P.J. Gallo refused to shake hands with Christian Hackenberg and Penn State's other captains at the midfield coin toss.

The Big Ten didn't explicitly say in its statement whether the suspension resulted in any way from Diggs's contact with the official, but he was the only Terrapins player punished as a result of either that incident or the coin toss spurning. The conference cited his actions toward both Penn State players and game officials as reasons for the suspension – and said Diggs's conduct violated conference policy.

In a statement released by the Maryland athletic department, Diggs apologized for his actions and accepted the suspension.

"My behavior towards the officiating crew and the Penn State football team were unacceptable," Diggs said. "I take accountability for my actions and will do everything I can to support my teammates in preparation for our next game against Michigan State."

Edsall, who started his press conference after the game on Saturday with an apology over the handshake, also issued a statement through Maryland.

"Our football program did not live up to the standards that we set for ourselves. Moving forward, we will use better judgment and remain composed so that we better represent the University of Maryland," Edsall said. "We have learned from this experience and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again."

The Big Ten said it considered the matter closed and would not comment further.