cenlanow
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — University of Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte has issued a public apology following what he described as vulgar on-field celebrations by players during the top-ranked Longhorns' recent victory over Tennessee, labeling the behavior as embarrassing for the institution.
In a rare instance of direct criticism aimed at his own football program and its players, Del Conte used his weekly Forty Acres Insider blog post on Tuesday to confront the fallout from actions taken by defensive end Colin Simmons and running back Raleek Brown.
During Texas' 20-17 win, Simmons received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for simulating urination on the field after recording one of his school-record 5.5 sacks. Later, Brown's fourth-quarter touchdown celebration involved placing his hand near his groin, then touching his face, and pretending to faint.
"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," Del Conte wrote. He added that the incident "certainly raised very warranted concerns that many of you shared with me, drew a lot of attention and I understand why."
Del Conte noted that head coach Steve Sarkisian had already addressed the matter on Monday, calling the celebrations unacceptable and confirming discussions with both Simmons and Brown. Sarkisian also indicated that disciplinary measures would be taken but did not provide specifics. During the game, Sarkisian briefly removed Simmons from play, and video clips of the moment went viral by halftime.
"Similar player conduct cannot happen again," Del Conte wrote. Simmons issued an apology in his postgame comments, and Del Conte added his own: "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."
Del Conte acknowledged that the players are young men who made mistakes, describing the situation as a meaningful learning experience. "They have owned their mistakes, and those actions are not reflective of who they are," he wrote.
This statement marks the third time Texas has publicly addressed controversies since ascending to No. 1 after defeating Ohio State on Sept. 12. Shortly after that win, star quarterback Arch Manning apologized for laughing at an AI-generated video that showed Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe. Additionally, Texas suspended linebacker coach Johnny Nansen for one game following his arrest on a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.
Kevin Eltife, chairman of the Texas Board of Regents and a close ally of both Del Conte and Sarkisian who plays a key role in major athletic department decisions, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
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Originally reported by cenlanow.