Urban Meyer Calls for Suspension of Texas Player Over Sideline Celebration

Controversial college football coach Urban Meyer said he would have suspended Texas player Colin Simmons for an unsportsmanlike celebration during a game attended by President Donald Trump. Simmons drew criticism after he mimicked urinating on the field after a sack against Tennessee. The action resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

"If I'm the head coach, and I see that kid do that, he's out, I'm suspending him," Meyer said on The Triple Option podcast. Meyer, a three-time national championship-winning coach, is currently working in media after a brief NFL tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The incident occurred at Neyland Stadium, where an estimated crowd of over 100,000 fans was present. President Trump was in attendance and received a significant reception.

Simmons, who recorded five sacks in the game, issued an apology after the contest. "I also do want to say I apologize for the celebration," he told reporters. "I was definitely in that mode, feeling myself. But, you know, it happens. Charge it to the game." He later posted on X, "All Glory to God. Thank you for listening to my prayers and forgive me for my actions."

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the incident post-game, stating, "Can't happen. That's a bad football play." He added that while he would not impose the "death penalty" on Simmons, the behavior needed correction. "We had harped and talked about this game about not getting emotional with the crowd and that was an emotional play," Sarkisian said. He indicated the team would address controlling emotions further on Monday.

Broadcasters Kirk Herbstreit and Joe Tessitore also commented on the play. Herbstreit described it as an "absolutely idiotic move," with Tessitore agreeing that it was a "vulgar" act. The penalty for Simmons' celebration negated a fourth-down stop for Texas, which the team ultimately won 20-17.

Simmons' teammate, linebacker Justin Cryer, attempted to intervene after the play. "I tried to run over there and grab him," Cryer said. "I seen where it was going, and I tried to go grab him before we got a penalty, but it was too late."