While the Alabama Crimson Tide may have suffered a terrible upset on the field, the criticism off the field after the loss was just as bad.
The Crimson Tide have entered the post-Nick Saban era, which has also ushered in a different style of play and different expectations for the team as well. Previously, Saban ruled with an iron fist and was known to not tolerate any sort of disrespect to the game or the team. For coach Kalen DeBoer, however, the expectations and discipline within the team seems to be far different.
During the loss to Vanderbilt, senior defensive back Malachi Moore, who brandishes the number 13 for the defense, lost his temper. It was a bit more than the usual tantrum of getting upset and fighting with an opponent. Rather, Moore was seen visibly screaming on the field and shaking his body in anger, but the direct target of his frustrations were unclear.
Ultimate crashout 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/wSOXpq6BFG
— GB (@_GRAY5ON_) October 5, 2024
The defensive back went on to kick the ball away from Vanderbilt while it was on the ground, prompting both the fans and social media to quickly react. The announcers made note of the situation and viewed it as something that was both unfortunate and also a potential stain on the current Crimson Tide regime.
Alabama Crimson Tide Defensive Back Malachi Moore Receives ‘In-House’ Punishment
While many felt Moore should have been suspended for his actions, Alabama Crimson Tide coach DeBoer stated the team had already ‘handled’ the situation.
This response from DeBoer and the defense of Moore prompted mixed reactions from the college football community. The fans in particular were upset, with many believing the actions of Moore go far beyond what should be tolerated from a sportsmanship perspective.
This is how YOU KNOW..…Nick Saban is gone! Boy crashed out and they left him in the game! https://t.co/Au2GSzgOYM
— Kendrick Haskins (@CoachDeeHaskins) October 6, 2024
THE PLAYERS RUN THIS PROGRAM NOW. SABAN WOULD NEVER ALLOW THIS
— Cattle is the way of life (@johnscattle1979) October 7, 2024
Coach is as soft as his waist line. You can’t love and believe in one another your way to a win. He’s weak on discipline and won’t last long in T town. His program and team has brought embarrassment to the university. Thank god for Nate Oats
— bamafanzzzz (@bamafanzzzz) October 7, 2024
2:30 of no we didn’t suspend him.
— Tony Two Bets (@tonytwobets) October 7, 2024
This is the reason you lost to Vandy. No leadership.
— Darryl Gaona Sr. 🤘🏻 ✭🦈 (@dgaona001) October 8, 2024
Many who are upset with the situation point out the fact that Moore is both a veteran and team captain, thus meaning he is someone who should be setting an example for the program.
We didn’t see passion and frustration. We saw a 5th year player with a C on his jersey pitch a fit. He slammed a Vandy player’s head into the turf after the play was dead and he kicked the ball after it was set for play.
— What’s That Smell (@dmarkday) October 7, 2024
While Moore will not receive any sort of suspension for the issue, it will be interesting to see how the Alabama Crimson Tide staff handles similar situations moving forward. With the criticism and the drastic changes from what the program previously was with Saban, fans may soon grow tired of the new wave.
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