TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore will not receive a suspension for his late-game outburst against Vanderbilt and will start Saturday against South Carolina, according to coach Kalen DeBoer. Moore’s actions included throwing his mouthpiece, appearing to refuse to be taken out during the final moments of the match and then kicking the ball, which resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Moore, a fifth-year senior and team captain, took to social media Monday morning to publicly apologize:
— Kinggchi👑 (@malachi_moore13) October 7, 2024
On Monday, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s perspective was that the decision to replace Moore was to give him a chance to calm down on the sideline. But Wommack noted that this might not be the right time to do that.
“He really does things at the level and standard that we want,” Wommack said. “At that point he got a little emotional, so we were going to try to calm him down a little bit. Sometimes in such situations it is better to let them calm down at a later time. But again, I thought he’s handled things very well since then and taken on the level of responsibility that Coach DeBoer has implemented. He has done very well and has improved.”
The situation was described as being handled internally. DeBoer was effusive in his praise of Moore’s character on Monday. Moore was a stabilizing force in keeping Alabama’s roster together during the head coaching transition, which is largely why he, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Booker and Deontae Lawson were named permanent captains before the season started.
“What he did, he went out of his way to own it,” DeBoer said. “Immediately after the match until (Monday) morning, matters come up that are all inspired by him but are also part of our conversations.
“What I want to make sure Bama fans know is that this man has been tough as nails and has been a critical, critical piece – along with others; there are some others – who have been holding this thing together since January. When many boys chose to leave, this man stood firm. This guy loves Alabama football. And yes, there were some things he regretted and wished he hadn’t done. But he owns it, and we handled it internally and are still handling it internally.
📺Our co-host, former Alabama RB Damien Harris (@DHx34), rips Alabama DB Malachi Moore for his tantrum against Vanderbilt.
“What you did on that pitch was complete and utter bull****. You are 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 to enter the portal
During Monday’s press conference, a report surfaced via ESPN that Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt for the remainder of the season and enter the transfer portal. Oatis recorded two tackles and one pass deflection in four games this season and was not credited with a single play against Vanderbilt, according to Pro Football Focus. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
“It felt like it was going that way,” DeBoer said. “I think you also have to understand that there are other elements to it, right. There are health elements. There are elements of life. I love these guys. They work hard. Jehiem’s choices and such – there are reasons for that. He informed us and informed us and continued to communicate with us here. It kind of felt like maybe it was going that way – not just today or yesterday or here in the last few days.
“We’ll continue with the guys who can really help us win and focus on our program. As we go through this, I don’t want to make a final decision 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 first season in 2022. A breakout year was expected for him in 2023, but injuries slowed his progress and injuries lingered through spring training. and into the summer. Alabama’s defensive line rotation is fairly deep, with six players earning significant snaps each week (Tim Keenan, Tim Smith, Jah-Marien Latham, LT Overton, Damon Payne and James Smith), but Oatis is a notable loss due to his size , experience and production. when completely healthy.
“I think Jehiem is obviously dealing with some injuries,” Wommack said. “Has not been able to perform or produce in the way any of us would like. But my focus is really on the players who are going to do everything they can to help us win football games. So that’s really where my focus is now.”
(Photo: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)