Alabama Player Malachi Moore Issues Apology After Unsportsmanlike Act At End Of Loss To Vanderbilt

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Malachi Moore, one of the captains of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, issued an apology on Monday for unsportsmanlike behavior during Saturday’s upset loss against Vanderbilt.

Moore, a senior, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after he kicked the ball away following a Vanderbilt kneel down to end the game. Then when his coach tried to remove him from the game, more waved off the substitution.

After the game, Moore’s teammate spoke out on the outburst.

“That was unacceptable, even by him. He’s a captain. Definitely have to talk to him about his attitude and stuff on the field,” Robinson said.

As did former Crimson Tide star running back Damien Harris.

“No. 13, Malachi Moore, brother, I don’t know you. I’m not trying to disrespect you. But what you did last night on that football field was complete and utter bulls—,” Harris said. “You are a two-time captain. Somebody who has your hand and footprint in Denny Chimes. How did you show up yesterday?

“The only thing I remember seeing from you is slamming the guy’s head on the ground unnecessarily. Punching yourself, throwing your mouthpiece. Not even in a way of, like, OK, nobody’s looking. Like, ‘I’m bigger than the game. I’m bigger than the team. I’m bigger than this moment. Like, everybody look at me. Look at how pissed off I am. Look at what I got to say about it. Let me pick up a ridiculous 15-yard penalty for no apparent reason.’ And you call yourself a two-time captain?”

Malachi Moore Apologizes For Unsportsmanlike Behavior Against Vanderbilt

On Monday, Moore responded to both the backlash and his initial behavior by issuing an apology on social media.

“I want to apologize to my teammates, our coaches, the fans, our alumn and my family for the way I acted on Saturday,” Moore wrote. “I was completely out of line. I let te 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.”

Was it an ugly look for Moore? Absolutely. But hopefully, it’s something he can learn and grow from. And it starts be acknowledging a wrong, which he seems to have done with this apology.