University of Texas defensive end Colin Simmons drew widespread attention for an inappropriate celebration during the Longhorns’ 20–17 victory over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on September 26, 2026. In the second quarter, Simmons sacked Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon for a 16-yard loss on third down. Immediately afterward, he mimed unzipping his pants and urinating on the field. Officials assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty, with the referee announcing that Simmons had been penalized “for simulating using the restroom.” The penalty gave Tennessee an automatic first down and effectively erased the field-position benefit of the sack.
The gesture was criticized during ABC’s broadcast, and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian temporarily removed Simmons from the game. Sarkisian later called the incident a “bad football play,” explaining that the coaching staff addressed it with Simmons before allowing him to return. Simmons subsequently produced a dominant performance, finishing with five sacks and tying the Texas single-game record as the top-ranked Longhorns held off No. 14 Tennessee.
During his postgame media availability, Simmons volunteered an apology for the celebration. He acknowledged getting caught up in the moment and described himself as “feeling myself,” while also reducing the significance of the episode by saying that such things happen and urging reporters to adopt a “next play mentality.” When reporters asked whether coaches had spoken to him about the penalty, Simmons confirmed that they had but repeatedly encouraged the media to move on rather than dwell on the incident.
Key Apologia Strategies
Mortification, Defeasibility, Minimization
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Simmons’ Postgame Media Statement — September 26, 2026:
“Also I do want to say I apologize for the celebration. I was definitely in that mode, feeling myself, but you know it happens. … Next play mentality. We don’t harp on that.”
