Alabama fans expressed their displeasure after the Crimson Tide had to punt on their first two drives of the game versus Florida State, and an Alabama tight end reacted to the boos.
Tight end Marshall Pritchett said he didn’t hear the boos in the moment, but his view is that success is expected at Alabama.
“With a fanbase like Alabama where the bar is set very high, success is expected,” Pritchett said. “Also, a reason I came to this school is to succeed and win. I think it’s just part of it.”
The booing didn’t change Pritchett’s appreciation for the Alabama fanbase, especially after how long the game was due to the lightning delays.
“We appreciate our fans,” Pritchett said. “After the game, I was able to meet some people I hadn’t met; just thanking them for staying through the delay, thanking them for staying through the storms. I could imagine that was quite a long day for them. Obviously, it was for us too. Like I said, it’s just part of it. I try not to worry too much about stuff like that and just focus on me and the team.”
Perhaps Pritchett addressed the boos better than offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb did. Grubb acknowledged the “boo birds” and made a comment on Monday that struck a nerve with a handful of Alabama fans.
“I told the guys, I said, ‘Shoot, guys, if you’d have quit as fast as some of your fans, shit, we wouldn’t have won that game,’” Grubb said. “So, I was proud of them. For a bunch of 19-year-olds to go out there and just 21-6 and not flinch, I was fired up.”
Grubb eventually put out an apology through Yea Alabama, and he said, “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,” Grubb said in the statement. “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!!!”
For the most part, the booing is in the past, and the Crimson Tide are focused on starting faster in the next game. Alabama will host South Carolina this Saturday at 6 p.m. CT, and the game will be on ESPN.
