Kalen DeBoer 'wasn't aware' of what Oklahoma did on Alabama football logo
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Of the hundreds of thousands of folks who saw Oklahoma players gather on the Crimson Tide’s logo at midfield last month, Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer wasn’t one of them.
Fans who were still in Bryant-Denny Stadium after the 24-21 loss witnessed the photo op in the flesh, but video of the encounter between the Sooners and UA staffer Tara Fuhrman, who commanded them to “Be respectful,” reached the masses via social media.
The viral clip didn’t make DeBoer’s feeds, though. Actually, he didn’t know what the group of Oklahoma defensive backs did until press conferences on Monday, Dec. 15 ahead of the Crimson Tide’s trip to Norman.
“Guess I wasn’t aware of that,” DeBoer said. “Now I am, so I’m going to talk to our team about it.”
DeBoer didn’t recall the logo being roped off, nor did he see the Sooners deliberately hopping the barricade and throwing up hand signs. While others stood, sophomore Jaydan Hardy plopped down and sat on the Script A.
Earlier in the week, Alabama players like wide receiver Ryan Williams called what Oklahoma did “disrespect.” DeBoer emphasized to reporters that when it comes to the Crimson Tide, there’s still only “respect” for Oklahoma.
“They’ve obviously gotten the better side of things the last two times we’ve played, so that’s really where our focus is at,” DeBoer continued.
DeBoer added the logo storming “hasn’t really even been a conversation” in meetings ahead of the first round game, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 19.
“This has been solely about we’re in the playoffs. It’s win or go home, and we need to be giving everything we have, we can to be our best,” DeBoer said.
Alabama and Oklahoma will kick off in Norman at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and ESPN.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: DeBoer ‘wasn’t aware’ of what Oklahoma did on Alabama football logo
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