I wouldn’t call it a “kick” to the head. The Notre Dame player slowly placed his foot down under the USC player’s head, and then brushed the back of the helmet as he stepped past him. I’m not excusing the conduct; it was clearly intentional, and any deliberate contact with the head is out of bounds, especially after a possible head or neck injury. But it wasn’t a kick.
The kick itself was basically a nudge. What if the downed player was suffering from a broken neck or back though? Something like that could greatly increase the damage. The ND player should basically be banned. I feel sorry for the poor bastard. He truly is an idiot.
That one was inexcusable, I agree. And Kelley went ballistic on him, twice. But I do not agree with the spearing call.