Full Breakdown
Texas Coach Calls Out “Unacceptable” Celebrations After Win Over Tennessee
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident on the Field
- The No. 1 Texas Longhorns defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 20-17.
- Defensive end Colin Simmons recorded five sacks, tying a school record, but was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after mimicking urination. The penalty erased the sack’s gain, resulting in a one-yard loss.
- Running back Raleek Brown celebrated a fourth-quarter touchdown by wiping his hand across his crotch and falling as if he had passed out; officials did not assess a penalty.
Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Response
- He met individually with Simmons and Brown and addressed the entire roster, stating that the behavior does not reflect the program’s values.
- Sarkisian indicated that discipline will follow but did not disclose any specific suspension.
Official Statements & Responses
- He noted that “emotions can run high” and that the coaching staff will repeatedly reinforce standards throughout the season, not rely on a single meeting.
- The coach framed the issue as cultural, urging players to direct energy toward teammates rather than opponents.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Texas 20, Tennessee 17.
- Simmons’ five sacks matched the school record for a single game.
- The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Simmons cost the Longhorns one yard on the play.
Why It Matters
- Texas is entering a stretch of “hostile environments,” with upcoming road games against LSU and Texas A&M and the Red River rivalry against Oklahoma in two weeks.
- Maintaining discipline is presented as essential to preserving the program’s reputation and avoiding penalties that could affect tightly contested games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We've got to do a better job of celebrating with one another,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
- “That’s not who we are as a team, and that behavior is unacceptable,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
- Steve Sarkisian said the team will learn over the season and that their true character will become evident.
- “We can’t let the emotions of the game get the betterment of us,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas coach
What’s Next
- Texas will travel to face LSU and Texas A&M before the Red River Rivalry with Oklahoma.
- Sarkisian said the team will continue learning as the season progresses and that discipline messages will be reinforced ahead of those matchups.
