Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore was caught on camera shoving a Vanderbilt player's head into the ground and kicking the football in frustration during Saturday's game, drawing widespread criticism. He has since apologized for his actions, saying he "let the emotions of the game get the best of me."
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore has issued an apology after he was caught on camera shoving a Vanderbilt player's head into the ground and kicking the football in frustration during Saturday's game.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter of Alabama's 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium. Moore, a two-time captain and fifth-year player, was seen shoving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's head into the ground after a run. He then kicked the football in frustration, earning an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Alabama's Malachi Moore Apologizes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Moore's actions drew widespread criticism on social media, with many fans calling for him to be suspended or even dismissed from the team.
On Monday, Moore released a statement apologizing for his behavior.
Alabama's Malachi Moore Apologizes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
"I was completely out of line," Moore said. "I let the emotions of the game get the best of me and put myself before the team. As a two-time captain and a fifth-year player, I understand the standard that we are expected to live up to at Alabama, and I failed to do so by acting in a selfish and unacceptable manner."
Moore said he came back this season to represent himself, the team, and the university. He said he knows that wearing the "A" on his chest comes with a responsibility, and he will do better to uphold the Alabama standard moving forward.
Alabama's Malachi Moore Apologizes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
"I will continue to work and improve while conducting myself in a first-class manner," Moore said.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said the issue has been handled internally.
"We've have handled it, and I'm just going to say this about Malachi," DeBoer said, via On3 Sports. "What he did, he has gone above and in taking ownership in it. This is pretty much immediately after the game to this morning, things that are all prompted by him, but also part of just our conversation."
Moore's apology comes after a tough loss for Alabama, which suffered one of the biggest upsets in college football history. The Crimson Tide were ranked No. 2 in the country before the game, while Vanderbilt was unranked.
Alabama will look to rebound from the loss when they host Mississippi State on Saturday.
