Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons on Saturday, and now he's owning up to it.
During the second quarter of Texas's gritty road win over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium, Simmons blew past a double team to drop Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon for a massive loss. But instead of simply soaking in the moment, the talented pass rusher broke out a celebration that mimicked using a restroom — and the officials weren't amused.
Flags flew immediately, and the Longhorns were hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The ESPN broadcast crew of Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit didn't hold back either, with Herbstreit calling it an "absolute idiotic move" and Fowler adding that it "doesn't get much more vulgar."
After the game, Simmons faced reporters and offered a sincere apology, admitting his emotions got the better of him after notching his second sack of the day.
"I apologize for the celebration. I was definitely in 'that mode,' feeling myself. But, you know, it happens," Simmons said. "Charge it to the game."
When asked whether his teammates or coaches addressed the lapse on the sideline, Simmons was quick to acknowledge it — but also emphasized the team's next-play mentality.
"Of course, of course," he said. "But, next play mentality. We don't harp on that. … Next play mentality, move on."
Fortunately for Texas, the penalty didn't prove costly. The Longhorns held on to improve to 4-0 on the season, securing a signature SEC victory in one of college football's toughest environments. Steve Sarkisian's squad now heads into its bye week undefeated before a highly anticipated rivalry clash with Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout on October 10.
While Simmons's celebration may have raised eyebrows, it's hardly the first time a player's on-field antics have sparked controversy. Just recently, Ja'Marr Chase's 'People's Elbow' celebration drew a fine from the NFL and a fiery response from the star receiver. And earlier this season, a bizarre celebration by a Texas star ignited outrage among fans.
For Simmons, the lesson is clear: keep the focus on the next play — and save the theatrics for the locker room. The Longhorns, meanwhile, will gladly take the win and the undefeated record, penalty and all.
