Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons issued a public apology on Sunday for simulating urination during the team’s 20-17 victory over Tennessee on Saturday. Simmons’ celebration occurred after a sack of Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon on a critical third-down play, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that erased the 16-yard loss and turned a fourth-and-31 into a first-and-10 for Tennessee.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the incident during a postgame press conference, stating that Simmons was removed from the game, disciplined, and returned to play. Sarkisian emphasized the need to address the behavior while downplaying its severity, noting that the team would work to prevent similar incidents moving forward.
Immediate Aftermath and Penalties
Simmons’ celebration was penalized as “simulating using the restroom,” a call that nullified the sack and resulted in a 15-yard penalty. The play shifted momentum in Tennessee’s favor before Texas ultimately secured the win. The Longhorns’ defense recorded five sacks in the game, with Simmons tying a school record.
In a postgame statement on social media, Simmons wrote: “All Glory To God. Thank you for listening to my prayers and forgive me for my actions. #5piece.” He also addressed reporters, saying: “I apologize for the celebration. I was definitely in that mode, feeling myself. But, you know, it happens. Charge it to the game.”
Coach’s Response and Broader Context
Sarkisian framed the incident as a team discipline issue rather than a severe misconduct case. He stated: “We took him out, we addressed it, and put him back in. I’m not gonna give the guy the death penalty over an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. We’ve got to fix it, though. That can’t continue as we move forward.”
The coach also offered a broader critique of modern society, suggesting that Simmons’ actions reflected a “‘look at me’ society” driven by social media engagement. He added: “All of you guys have your Twitter accounts, and as fast as you can type something because you want everyone to look at your account, and you get clicks. Well, that’s the world that we live in.”
Team and Player Reactions
Simmons’ apology was issued both in person during the press conference and via a post on X (formerly Twitter). The apology did not explicitly address the nature of the celebration but acknowledged the inappropriateness of the act. The Longhorns are scheduled to face Oklahoma in the upcoming Red River Rivalry, pending any further disciplinary action from the NCAA.
The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with reactions ranging from criticism of the celebration to debates about sportsmanship and accountability in college athletics.