Alabama defensive back and team captain Malachi Moore apologized in a social media post after losing his temper in the waning moments of the Crimson Tide's shocking 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt. Moore was visibly agitated on the field and drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the Tide's first loss to the Commodores since 1984.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, our coaches, the fans, our alumni and my family for the way I acted on Saturday," Moore wrote in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). "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.
"I came back this season to represent myself, this team and this university because it means something to me. I am blessed to be able to wear the 'A' on my chest, and I know all that comes with the responsibility of representing this program. I will do better to uphold the Alabama standard moving forward, and I will continue to work and improve while conducting myself in a first-class manner."
Moore was visibly upset when he grabbed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's helmet and slammed to the ground after the Tide allowed a game-sealing first down. Moore later yelled and threw his mouthpiece across the field before kicking the ball after the officials placed it. The latter drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Alabama tried to sub him out but he refused to come off the field. For the day, he allowed 55 yards receiving and a touchdown in Vanderbilt's first win over an AP No. 1 team.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday the situation had been "handled" and that Moore went "above and beyond in owning" the outburst. DeBoer defended Moore during his postgame press conference but acknowledged he was looking somewhere else when the penalty was committed.
"The frustration comes from the work he puts in and the belief he has," DeBoer said. "From Day 1, there were a few guys who were critical, put their foot down, and believed in this place. He's certainly one of them. We're going to continue to believe in him."
The preseason CBS Sports All-American has played in 57 games and been a starter since the Tide's 2020 national championship run. He opted to bypass the NFL Draft and return to Tuscaloosa to help lead the transition after Nick Saban suddenly retired in January.
