LINCOLN, Neb. — NEBRASKA Pelini apologizes
Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini tried to tamp down the frenzy surrounding his program Monday, apologizing for his sideline tirades and assuring fans that his star quarterback hasn’t quit the team.
Pelini’s volatile behavior became the story line of Saturday’s 9-6 loss at Texas A&M, more so than the fact the 15th-ranked Cornhuskers now probably have to beat resurgent Colorado on Friday to win the Big 12 North after starting the season with national championship hopes. Pelini’s foul-mouth berating of the officials and quarterback Taylor Martinez made for must-see TV for ABC, but it also drew an admonishment from Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman and criticism from fans who say Pelini embarrassed the state and program.
“I always believe it’s OK to disagree with a call,” Pelini said. “It’s not OK to make it personal. At times during that game, probably in my quest to fight for the kids on our football team, I let it get personal. For that, once again, I’m sorry. I regret that.” Pelini’s sideline rants have been scrutinized since he took over in 2008, but his rage seemed to peak in the Texas A&M game as the Aggies (8-3, 5-2 Big 12) shut down the Cornhuskers (9-2, 5-2).
Officials drew his ire for calling 16 penalties for 145 yards, both school records. Among them were seven personal fouls - including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Pelini.
Martinez left the game with five minutes in the first quarter after aggravating his right ankle sprain, and he didn’t escape Pelini’s wrath, either.
Martinez, who returned to play the second half, was on the sideline in the second quarter when Pelini approached him. The redshirt freshman showed no emotion as the coach yelled at him, pointed his left index finger at him and poked him just above the collar.
Pelini acknowledged that Martinez was not with the team for its Sunday “shakeout,” which he described as a short jogging session that helps players loosen up after the previous day’s game. Martinez’s absence sparked Internet rumors that he had quit the team.
OLE MISS Top receiver suspended OXFORD, Miss. - Mississippi Coach Houston Nutt says sophomore receiver Melvin Harris has been suspended for Saturday’s regular-season finale against No. 25 Mississippi State.
During his Monday news conference, Nutt said Harris “broke team rules” but did not elaborate on the cause of the suspension.
Harris leads the Rebels with 30 catches for 408 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was listed as the No. 1 split-end on Monday’s depth chart. Ole Miss has lost five of its past six games - including 43-36 on Saturday to then-No. 5 LSU.
Sports, Pages 20 on 11/23/2010