Colin Simmons Apologizes After Penalized Celebration

Texas defensive end Colin Simmons apologized after being penalized for miming urination toward Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon following a sack in the Longhorns’ 20-17 win over the Volunteers. The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty gave Tennessee an automatic first down and extended a second-quarter drive, but the Volunteers did not score a touchdown on the possession. The referee announced the infraction as “simulating using the restroom.” Simmons made the gesture after bringing down Brandon on third down. The penalty erased the immediate benefit of the sack by giving Tennessee a new set of downs, though Texas’ defense stopped the drive without allowing a touchdown. After the game, Simmons apologized for the celebration. He said the moment did not excuse his actions and asked that the incident be charged to the game. His apology followed an afternoon in which he recorded five sacks, tying the Texas school record, according to reports of the game. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the team took Simmons out, addressed the conduct and returned him to the game.