Alabama coach Nick Saban was called in for unsportsmanlike conduct during the fourth quarter of Friday’s 31-14 victory at the Rose Bowl over Notre Dame.
Saban explained the penalty after the game, but recalled that it was the first time he was called.
“I was on the pitch about two steps because I was yelling at one of our linebackers who didn’t fall in the right direction,” he said. “What I’ve done almost my entire career. It wasn’t during a live dance. I think, technically, you shouldn’t do that.
“Look, I’m not criticizing anyone and I’m not complaining. I’m just saying that I’ve been a head coach for the past 20 years and I’ve never been called to do that. But I was called today and I will have to do better next time. “
Although Saban may not have been specifically penalized for this reason, he recently received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct during a 2019 game against Duke.
The 15-yard penalty in Friday’s game came after an incomplete pass by Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book and advanced the ball to Alabama’s 25-yard line. This move ended up with Book scoring a touchdown.
The game was made official by a Big Ten team led by referee John O’Neill. That team did not throw any flags until the start of the third quarter, but Alabama ended with six penalties for 59 yards, while Notre Dame was called three times for 25 yards.
Mike Rodak is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.