William Gholston's fouls under review

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Michigan State is conducting an internal review of a potential violation of sportsman-like conduct by defensive end William Gholston during Saturday's victory against Michigan.

Gholston was flagged for two personal fouls against the Wolverines -- for punching Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan and twisting the helmet of Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson.

The Spartans (No. 16 BCS, No. 15 AP) list Gholston as a starter on the depth chart for this week's game against Wisconsin (No. 6 BCS, No. 4 AP). Coach Mark Dantonio declined to comment on Gholston's situation at a Tuesday news conference.

"We are in the process of completing our internal review of the matter," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said in a statement Tuesday. "We are thoroughly reviewing the entire game and utilizing all of the available resources: coaches' video from midfield and end zone cameras, TV copy as well as still photographs. Once the internal review is completed, we will forward a written report on to the Big Ten. The conference office won't discuss a timeline for this process and neither will we."

The conference handbook states a school must submit a report to the commissioner on any potential sportsmanlike-conduct violations three business days after being notified. According to the timeline, Michigan State has until Wednesday to reply.

Commissioner Jim Delany then has three days to respond, if he does not agree with any potential penalties.

The Big Ten handbook's first definition of "unsportsmanlike" conduct is "striking or attempting to strike or otherwise physically abusing an official, opposing coach, spectator or athlete."

Illinois linebacker Jonathan Brown was suspended one game by the school for striking a Northwestern player in the groin during an Oct. 1 game.

"This is an isolated incident and Coach D and his staff will continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining one's composure during the heat of the moment," Hollis' statement reads. "As an AD, I take sportsmanship seriously, but it's equally important for me to evaluate this game and the particular play in its totality."

Adam Rittenberg covers Big Ten football for ESPN.com. He can be reached at espnritt@gmail.com

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Adam Rittenberg | email

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• ESPN.com Big Ten blogger
• Joined ESPN.com in 2008
• Wrote for Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald