TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore won’t be suspended for his late-game tantrum against Vanderbilt and can start Saturday against South Carolina, in response to coach Kalen DeBoer. Moore's actions included throwing his mouthpiece, apparently refusing to be substituted in the ultimate moments of the sport, after which kicking the ball, which resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Moore, a fifth-grader and team captain, took to social media Monday morning to publicly apologize:
— Kinggchi👑 (@malachi_moore13) October 7, 2024
On Monday, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack expressed the view that the choice to switch Moore was intended to provide him a probability to calm down on the sidelines. But Wommack noted that it could not have been the fitting time.
“He really does things at the level and standard that we want,” Wommack said. “At that moment he became a bit emotional, so we wanted to try to calm him down a bit. Sometimes in such situations it is better to let them calm down at a later date. But again, I think he's handled things really well since then and taken on the level of responsibility that Coach DeBoer implemented. He’s done a really good job going forward.”
The situation was described as being handled internally. DeBoer effusively praised Moore's character on Monday. Moore was a stabilizing force that held Alabama's roster together throughout the head coaching transition, which was largely why he, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker and Deontae Lawson were named everlasting captains before the beginning of the season.
“What he did is he did his best by taking responsibility for it,” DeBoer said. “Immediately after the game until (Monday) morning, things that are all suggested by him, but are also just part of our conversations.
“I want to make sure Bama fans know that this guy was rock solid and a critical, critical contributor — along with others; There are a few others too – holding this thing together since January. When a lot of people decided to leave, this guy stood his ground. This guy loves Alabama football. And yes, there were some things he regretted and wished he hadn't done, yes. But he rose to the occasion and we handled it internally and are still dealing with it internally.”
📺Our co-host, former Alabama RB Damien Harris (@DHx34), upsets Alabama DB Malachi Moore for his tantrum against Vanderbilt.
“What you did in this field was complete nonsense. You’re a two-time captain.”
On tmrw's until Saturday: https://t.co/2rlzM0YjjQ @davidubben pic.twitter.com/ZZnjgNMsfn
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 7, 2024
Oatis enters the portal
During Monday's press conference, a report surfaced via ESPN that Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt the rest of the season and enter the transfer portal. Oatis recorded two tackles and one pass deflection in 4 games this season and was not credited with any snaps against Vanderbilt, in response to Pro Football Focus. He still has two years of eligibility left.
“It felt like it was going that way,” DeBoer said. “I think you also have to understand that there are other elements, right. There are health elements. There are elements of life. I love these guys. They work hard. Jehiem's decisions and things – there are reasons for that. He has notified and has notified and continues to communicate with us here. Somehow I had the feeling that maybe it was going in this direction – not just today or yesterday or here in the last few days.
“We're moving forward with the guys that can really help us win and focus on our program. As we go through this, I don’t want to make a final judgment on it, but you will always want the best for all people, and Jehiem is one of them.”
A former four-star recruit, Oatis earned a major role and All-SEC Freshman honors in his freshman season in 2022. His breakout performance was scheduled for 2023, but injuries slowed his progress and injuries continued throughout spring training and into the summer. Alabama's defensive position rotation is pretty intense, with six players getting significant snaps on a weekly basis (Tim Keenan, Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham, LT Overton, Damon Payne, and James Smith), but Oatis is because of his size, experience, and production a remarkable loss if completely healthy.
“I think Jehiem is obviously dealing with some injuries,” Wommack said. “Wasn’t able to perform or produce the way any of us would like. But my focus is really on the players who will do everything they can to help us win football games. So that’s really my focus right now.”
image credit : www.nytimes.com