Major Applewhite got into a heated confrontation with one of his star players on the sideline during Thursday night’s game against Tulane, and the Houston coach was willing to give his side of the story after the Cougars’ 48-17 win.
Applewhite confirmed to reporters that defensive tackle Ed Oliver became furious when the coach told him he could not wear a bubble coat on the sideline that was only intended to be worn by active players. Oliver has missed Houston’s last four games with a knee injury.
Houston defensive star Ed Oliver appears to angrily confront coach Major Applewhite after being told to remove his jacket pic.twitter.com/axbg7YR6ND
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) November 16, 2018
According to Applewhite, several inactive players were told they could not they could not wear the jackets, and he did not want to make it seem like he was giving anyone special treatment. He downplayed the incident and said coaches deal with emotions from young players all the time.
Houston coach Major Applewhite addresses sideline incident involving All-America DT Ed Oliver pic.twitter.com/poz6eqeu88
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) November 16, 2018
The incident occurred in the first half, and Oliver was not spotted on the sideline during the second half. Applewhite would not say whose choice it was to not have Oliver present, only noting that he had not spoken with the junior but wants him back with the team.
Oliver, who has 51 tackles and three sacks in seven games, is considered one of the best defensive players in the country. He has already announced he will enter the 2019 NFL Draft, so it’s fair to wonder if he will follow in the footsteps of some star players who have made unpopular decisions about their playing status late in seasons.
