SEC commissioner Greg Sankey issues statement on Bielema-Alabama incident
A day after video surfaced of Arkansas coach Bret Bielema’s involvement in a sideline scuffle from Saturday’s Alabama game, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement that he spoke to Bielema about the incident.
The video showed Bielema jumping in between two players and drawing a personal foul penalty on Alabama lineman Cam Robinson. Bielema appeared to embellish contact between himself and Robinson. And after the official threw a flag, Bielema celebrated.
It does not look like Bielema will face any discipline.
"I visited with Bret over the phone on Monday and we discussed the play that has now become widely reviewed through a brief video clip,” Sankey said. “Football is played in an intense competitive environment and I reminded him of the need for head coaches to resolve with their own players issues that may arise, which was his intent. The unsportsmanlike penalty assessed on the play was not directly associated with Bret's efforts to intervene at the end of the play and we are moving forward in a positive manner."
Bielema jumped in when an Arkansas player got in Robinson’s face after Robinson delivered a big hit on a Razorbacks defensive lineman following a second quarter interception return.
@ClayTravisBGID watch Beilema instegate Cam Robinson, fake like he was shoved, then dance a jig to celebrate. pic.twitter.com/DYSSZdEkOM
— Anthony Jacks (@Coach_Jacks) October 12, 2015
The 15-yard penalty set Arkansas up with great field position and the Razorbacks cashed in with a touchdown three plays later. The touchdown gave Arkansas a 7-3 lead heading into halftime, but Alabama stormed back and won 27-14.
Arkansas dropped to 2-4 with the loss. The team has a bye this week.
For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!