Sarkisian criticizes Simmons’ celebration penalty

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said defensive end Colin Simmons’ unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty for mimicking urination after a sack against Tennessee was unacceptable, adding that the team addressed the incident at halftime. Simmons returned to the game and finished with five sacks, according to game reports. The penalty came after Simmons brought down Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon. Officials flagged him for the celebration, turning a sack that would have left Tennessee facing a long conversion into a new opportunity. The play drew attention during the game, but the supplied accounts do not establish that the penalty caused any later Tennessee points. Sarkisian said Texas removed Simmons, spoke with him about the incident and put him back on the field. He described the celebration as a bad football play and said the team had discussed controlling its emotions in a charged atmosphere. He also said players should celebrate with teammates rather than draw attention to themselves, and indicated the team would continue working on the issue. Simmons apologized after the game, saying he had let his emotions take over. That apology was reported in one account.