Alabama coach Nate Oats was ejected from his team’s win over Mississippi State on Wednesday night, and he was sure to express his displeasure to both the officials who were working the game and one who was watching it.
Oats felt Alabama guard Keon Ellis was fouled while shooting a three-pointer with just over nine minutes remaining in the second half. He let the refs hear about it and was assessed a technical foul. Mississippi State took a 58-55 lead after hitting both free throws. Just over a minute later, Oats was called for another technical and ejected. His players and the Crimson Tide fans at Coleman Coliseum appreciated the passion.
Nate Oats ejected . Miss St on a 12-2 run . Dogfight late in Tuscaloosa pic.twitter.com/UOaNaVMjoA
— Barstool College Basketball (@StoolCBB) February 17, 2022
As he was heading to the locker room, Oats was seen shouting in the direction of someone in the stands. He was reportedly yelling at SEC Coordinator of Officials Mike Eades. The video below appears to show Oats yelling, “Bullsh-t, Mike!”
Lol this was directed at SEC Coordinator of Officials Mike Eades. Glad he was there to witness that tonight. That’s one of the weaker crews I can recall. Lee Cassell should never be the best guy on a crew https://t.co/OqwMghDkUI
— Hunter Johnson (@BurnerLJohnson) February 17, 2022
The ejection clearly provided a spark for Alabama. The Tide played well the rest of the way and pulled out an 80-75 win. Oats said after the game that he believes it was the first ejection of his coaching career. He also expressed regret over the way he handled himself.
“I thought there was a foul. They didn’t call it. I had been on them. There were a few calls I disagreed with,” Oats said, via Michael Casagrande of AL.com. “It happens. I shouldn’t have gone after them as hard as I did when I already had one T. I have to be smarter. I’m not going to repeat everything that was said between me and the ref but I have to do a better job.”
Alabama players said they appreciated Oats fighting for them. He’s not a coach who typically flies off the handle, though he doesn’t exactly shy away from controversy.
Oats said he will do his best to avoid getting tossed going forward, but we doubt he regrets what happened on Wednesday night. His outburst may have been just what Alabama needed in a tough game.
