TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore will not be suspended for using abusive language late in the game against Vanderbilt and will start Saturday against South Carolina, coach Karen DeBoer announced. did. Moore was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his actions, including throwing his mouthpiece, appearing to refuse to be substituted in the final minutes of the game, and then kicking the ball.
Moore, a fifth-year student and team captain, issued a public apology on social media Monday morning, writing:
— Kingchi👑 (@malachi_moore13) October 7, 2024
On Monday, defensive coordinator Kane Womack said the decision to replace Moore was to give Moore a chance to settle down on the sideline. But Womack noted it may not have been the right time to do it.
“He really does things at the level and standard that we want,” Womack said. “He got a little emotional at that moment, so we were trying to calm him down a little bit. Sometimes, in those situations, it's better to have him calm down later. But , again, I thought he handled things very well from then on and took the level of accountability that Coach DeBoer did. He's done a really good job moving forward.”
It was explained that the situation was being handled internally. DeBoer on Monday raved about Moore's character. Moore served as a stabilizing force for Alabama's squad during the head coaching transition period, with him, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker and Deonte Lawson named permanent captains before the season began. This was the reason.
“What he's done is he's gone above and beyond in terms of holding himself accountable,” DeBoer said. “Right after the game until (Monday) morning, everything was not only prompted by him, but also part of our conversations.
“What I want Bama fans to know is this guy was a rock-solid, very important piece just like the rest of them. There's a few others – this one since January. This guy took a stand when a lot of people chose to leave. This guy loves Alabama football. And yes, he probably has regrets. There were some things I wish I hadn't done. But he accepted it and we're dealing with it internally and we're still dealing with it internally.”
📺Co-host, former Alabama running back Damien Harris (@DHx34), slams Alabama DB Malachi Moore for throwing a tantrum against Vanderbilt.
“What you did on that field was perfect, an absolute travesty. You were a two-time captain.”
tmrw until Saturday: https://t.co/2rlzM0YjjQ @davidubben pic.twitter.com/ZZnjgNMsfn
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 7, 2024
Otis joins the portal
During Monday's press conference, a report surfaced via ESPN that Jahiem Ortiz will redshirt the remainder of the season and enter the transfer portal. According to Pro Football Focus, Ortiz had two tackles and one pass deflection in four games this season, but did not record any snaps against Vanderbilt. He has two years of eligibility left.
“It felt like it was going in that direction,” DeBoer said. “I think we also need to understand that there are other factors to this. There's a health factor. There's a lifestyle factor. I love these guys. They work hard. Ehiem's There's a reason for choices and things. He's informing and informing and staying in touch with us here, and I feel like we're probably moving in that direction, not just today or yesterday or the last few days. Ta.
“We're going to move forward with guys who can help us win and focus on our program. Having been through this, I don't want to draw any final conclusions, but people always try to help everyone. We want the best, and Ehiem is one of them.”
Ortiz, a former four-star recruit, played a key role in his first season in 2022 and earned All-SEC Freshman honors. He was expected to have a breakout year in 2023, but injuries slowed his progress and lingered through spring practice. And on to summer. Alabama's defensive line rotation is fairly deep, with six players (Tim Keenan, Tim Smith, Jermalien Latham, LT Overton, Damon Payne, and James Smith) getting significant snaps each week. However, Ortiz is a notable loss due to his size, experience, and production. When you are completely healthy.
“I think with Jahiem, he's obviously battling an injury,” Womack said. “We haven't been able to perform or produce as much as we all would like. But what I'm really focused on are the players who are going to do everything they can to win football games. So right now… , that's what I'm focusing on.”
(Photo: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)