Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan won't face discipline from the Big Ten for twisting the face mask of a Michigan State player during last week's game, a source told ESPN.com.
The Big Ten reviewed the incident this week and concluded that no "sportslike conduct" violation occurred, the source said. Michigan opted not to suspend Lewan, who is expected to start Saturday when Michigan (6-2, 2-2 Big Ten) hosts Nebraska (6-2, 3-1).
Lewan on Monday apologized for twisting the face mask of Spartans safety Isaiah Lewis in last Saturday's 29-6 loss.
"There are different ways to go about it, but I lost my composure for a second," Lewan said. "That's not OK to do. That's not representing the University of Michigan the way it should be. That's not taking pride in the rivalry that we have with Michigan State."
Lewan said he tried to find Lewis after the game to apologize but could not. Lewan and Michigan coach Brady Hoke discussed the incident, and while Hoke said it's "not what we want to portray or be," he decided not to suspend Lewan.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said Tuesday that he accepts Lewan's apology and likened the situation to one two years earlier involving Lewan and Spartans defensive end William Gholston. The Big Ten suspended Gholston one game for punching Lewan, while Michigan State opted not to suspend Gholston from the team.
"Some people may refute [the decision not to suspend Gholston], especially if they wear blue," Dantonio said. "But they can see how we feel now on the other side of the bench. ... Football is football. It's a tough game. I accept people's apologies. I don't hold things against people. So, yeah, I accept his apology. No problem."
Lewis said Thursday that the helmet twist didn't hurt, but was coy when asked if he accepted Lewan's apology.
"It's whatever,'' Lewis said, according to MLive.com.
