Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte apologized for what he called "inappropriate celebrations" from Longhorns players during their 20-17 win over Tennessee football at Neyland Stadium.
Longhorns defensive
lineman Colin Simmons was assessed an unsportsmanlike penalty in the second quarter for "simulating using the restroom" as he celebrated a sack of Vols quarterback Faizon Brandon on Sept. 26.
"We can all agree it was a heck of a game and an incredible performance on the field, but I also know we had some major issues to address with inappropriate celebrations from our players," Del Conte wrote in a lengthy message to Texas fans on Sept. 29. "I'm not happy about that, I know none of us are, and it was embarrassing to our proud and widely respected football team, athletics program and university. It certainly raised very warranted concerns that many of you shared with me, drew a lot of attention, and I understand why."
Simmons set a Texas record with 5.5 sacks against the Vols. After the game, coach Steve Sarkisian called it "a bad football play" and said it "can't happen." Sarkisian reiterated those comments in a press conference on Sept. 30, saying "that's not who we are as a team."
"As (Sarkisian) said, it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The message is clear — the players conduct did not reflect the values of Texas Athletics or our university and cannot happen again," Del Conte said. "I also want to add my apology to our Longhorn community and everyone who expects better from Texas. We should represent this university with class, dignity and respect at all times, and in those moments, we fell short."
Sarkisian said he thought more Longhorns than Simmons could have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. He met with Simmons after the game to make sure the message about limiting penalties got through. Texas incurred 10 penalties for 115 yards in the win over UT.
"I do recognize that these are young men who made mistakes, and this is a meaningful learning experience," Del Conte said. "They have owned their mistakes, and those actions are not reflective of who they are. They are good people who made poor choices — they know it, we know it, and they, along with our entire team, will grow from this."
Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Texas AD Chris Del Conte apologizes for 'inappropriate celebrations' vs Tennessee
