Alabama star pushes Vandy QB's head into ground during surprise loss and apologizes

Alabama Crimson Tide star Malachi Moore let his emotions run wild near the end of the team's devastating loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday night.

Moore was inexplicably seen pushing Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's head into the ground and later kicking the football in frustration. For his final actions he received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

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Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Quincy Skinner Jr. (3) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) exchange words during their game at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, October 5, 2024. (Denny Simmons/The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Alabama lost the game 40-35 and suffered one of the biggest upsets in college football history.

While Moore received criticism on social media, he apologized on Monday.

“I was completely wrong. I let the emotions of the game take over and stood in front of the team. As a two-time captain and fifth-year player, I understand the standard we are expected to live up to at Alabama, and I have failed to do so by acting selfishly and unacceptable.

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Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) catches a touchdown in front of Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I came back this season to represent myself, this team and this university because it means something to me. I am blessed to wear the 'A' on my chest and I know everything that comes with the responsibility of representing.” With this program, I will do even better in the future to uphold the Alabama standard and I will continue to work and improve while being first class.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said the issue was handled without clarification.

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Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer (right) argues with an official during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“We got through it and I just want to say that to Malachi,” he said via On3 Sports. “What he did, he rose above himself and took responsibility for it. This happened almost immediately after the game until this morning, things that were all initiated by him but also just part of our conversation.”

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