Storming the field is one of the largest celebratory acts a fanbase can participate in as it signals that the home team had just won a massive game.
But rushing the field also brings a bit of chaos for the departing team as it could pick up some bumps and bruises on the way out.
Last season, Alabama head coach Nick Saban showed off a massive bruise on his arm from the Crimson Tide’s loss to Texas A&M. It was a lasting reminder to Saban of how the team performed in that game.
This year, Saban reported that he was able to escape the field uninjured which was a welcome change from last season.
“Yeah I did. It was a pretty difficult situation,” Saban joked on Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference. “I had about three bruises, but I don’t have any after this one.”
Saban was later asked whether he would like to see rule changes regarding fans storming fields but the head coach relayed that it is a tough situation to regulate.
“I think it’s a difficult situation,” Saban said. “It’s a difficult situation for out league, it’s a difficult situation for all of us that are in this situation. We certainly don’t condone any mistreatment of anybody, whether they should or shouldn’t be there. I think you’ve gotta have respect for other people. But as the same time, it’s a difficult situation for all of us.”
Although Saban left the field without any injuries, the Alabama team could still feel the lingering impacts as a team.
Wide receiver Jermaine Burton was seen allegedly striking a fan rushing the field during a video that went viral online.
Saban revealed a statement earlier on Wednesday saying that the team is continuing to gather information on the situation.
“We are aware of the situation with Jermaine Burton as he was exiting the field Saturday,” Saban’s statement read. “We are currently working to gather more information.”
The team is yet to announce a further update on Burton’s status.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
