Alabama chides 'unacceptable behavior' of fans who threw objects at Georgia players
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Alabama said it is "disappointed by the unacceptable behavior" of some of its fans who were seen throwing objects at Georgia players after the Bulldogs' 20-17 victory against the Crimson Tide on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, the university added that it is "in the process of gathering information."
"Alabama takes matters of fan conduct seriously and expects everyone at our events to demonstrate respect to the student-athletes, coaches, staff, officials and visitors," the school said in the statement. "Such conduct will not be tolerated."
The misbehavior came not only following a close home loss to what's become a bitter rival, but after a series of controversial calls.
In the third quarter, what was initially ruled an interception by Alabama linebacker QB Reese at the Georgia 25-yard line was determined to be an incomplete pass after a video review, a decision that was criticized by ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. The Bulldogs didn't score on the drive, but because of the reversal, the Crimson Tide were denied a potential scoring opportunity in a game they lost by only three.
In the fourth quarter, safety KJ Bolden appeared to lower his head and hit receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams in the helmet, dislodging the ball in the process. Coleman-Williams was forced to leave the game to undergo an evaluation, though officials did not penalize Bolden for targeting.
Later, on what would be Alabama's final drive of the night, Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell tried to connect with Rico Scott for what would have been a go-ahead touchdown. Replay showed Bolden and Braylon Conley made contact with Scott before he had a chance to bring the ball in.
Russell was sacked for a 9-yard loss on the next play, a third-and-10 that took Alabama out of range for a potential game-tying field goal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama chides 'unacceptable behavior' of fans who threw objects at Georgia players
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