:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49557995/usa-today-9284423.0.jpg)
The United Soccer League has weighed in with its ruling on "the cheap shot heard round the world" (per The Telegraph's Bob Williams), aka Romeo Parkes' shocking assault on the New York Red Bulls' Karl Ouimette on Saturday night.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, USL promised a full investigation. Two days later, that investigation is concluded. The USL announced today that Parkes is suspended for the rest of the season, and the league's 2016 playoffs. The player has also been fined.
USL President Jake Edwards was quoted in the official release:
Player safety is paramount and any type of behavior that is detrimental to the well-being of our players will not be tolerated
Parkes had his contract terminated by Pittsburgh Riverhounds the day after his on-field meltdown.
The USL ruling does not appear to prevent the player from finding a new club this season, but he won't play in USL again this year.