Alabama offensive coordinator apologizes for criticizing fans after slow start against Florida State

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb apologized for comments criticizing fans who he felt gave up too soon during the team’s slow start in Saturday’s game against Florida State.

Kayla DavisTUSCALOOSA, Ala. —

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has apologized after making comments about fans who he felt gave up too quickly during the team’s slow start in Saturday’s game against Florida State, where the Crimson Tide initially trailed 21-6.

“I would say—I had some boo birds. I told the guys, I said, ‘Shoot, guys, if you would have quit as fast as some of your fans, s—, we wouldn’t have won that game,’” Grubb said.

Grubb later acknowledged that he should have chosen his words more carefully.

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Mixed reactions followed his remarks, with some students expressing frustration over the team’s performance early in the game.

“I was definitely frustrated at a couple points. I definitely was like, what is going on out there? But I felt like maybe we shouldn’t be booing. I probably entertained it though,” Amelia Disy, a junior said.

Many fans shared their frustration over delays and the team’s rough start.

“I feel like a lot of the time we go out there and they look like they don’t know how to play football. For the first quarter. It’s kind of like, what am I watching right now? And yeah, like we spend our money on tickets and there are a lot of delays. We waited out there. I waited out there for like four hours to watch them play, and then it didn’t look great,” she added.

Others defended Grubb, saying fans should support the team and its coaching staff.

“I was questioning his play calls early, but again, he gets paid for it. He knows more than all of us,” Greg Terry, a senior, said.

Christopher Johnston, another senior, added, “I know we hoot and holler, but we put a lot of pressure on the guys when they’re the ones out there and they earn their spot.”

Both Johnston and Terry agreed with Grubb’s sentiment.

“I don’t think it’s that deep. I think people look into it way too much. Because he’s right. I mean, in life, that’s just life. If you quit, you’re gonna lose. So, if they would have given up, like some of the fans were, obviously we would have lost. So I think he’s correct,” Johnston said.

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Terry added, “I know our fans are crazy. I feel like that’s kind of a topic you don’t want to touch, but I don’t—I don’t really have an issue with his comments personally.”

However, not all fans were aware of the controversy.

“No, I didn’t hear that. I didn’t hear anything either,” twins Darcy and Alexa Stone said.

Terry and Johnston believe the issue will fade quickly.

“In the moment you hear people are like, fire him. But I mean, that’s again in the moment,” Terry said.

Johnston added, “In classes, you’ll hear a lot of it on Monday, and then by midweek they forget about it. And then they’re excited for the next weekend.”

Grubb apologized in a statement released to Alabama’s NIL collective, saying, “CRIMSON TIDE FAITHFUL, My passion for The University of Alabama football team runs deep…my commitment to this program is rivaled only by my brothers who I lock arms with every day. I will always back my players…always. I normally speak very directly and don’t cut words. That said – I should have worded my statement today more carefully. This is a special place with an incredible fanbase that all of us are thankful for. I have been spoiled by our great fans who are a sense of inspiration for our players. I let my loyalty and passion for my players affect my choice of words and offend some people that I certainly would have never intended to – the Crimson Tide faithful – and for that I apologize. I look forward to moving on and giving everyone something to cheer about! It’s a blessing to be here at Alabama. I truly appreciate everyone and am looking forward to a great Saturday. Again, my sincere apologies…and ROLL TIDE!!!”