Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats has found himself in some hot water today after pushing an opposing player during yesterday’s game against Missouri.
The incident occurred during a first half scuffle between players. Oats decided to intervene, placing his hand on the chest of a Missouri player and pushing him backwards while telling him to “Get out!”
There’s been no small amount of outrage at Oats action and many, including CBS Sports college hoops analyst Seth Davis, believes he should face some kind of punishment for laying his hands on a player.
“This is an absolute no-no. The SEC should fine Nate Oats. You can NOT put your hands on another team’s player,” Davis wrote.
But the response to Davis’ call for Oats to be fined has been a bit mixed. Some believe the punishment should be worse while others are rolling their eyes at the idea.
This is an absolute no-no. The SEC should fine Nate Oats. You can NOT put your hands on another team’s player. https://t.co/nWNxvl4W60
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) January 17, 2024
“Big Alabama fan and I like Coach Oats a lot but I agree with you. Coaches absolutely cannot put their hands on a player from another team,” one user replied.
“A mizzou player elbowed the ref in the head. Relax,” wrote another.
“The amount of people I’ve had tweet saying they don’t think he did anything wrong is crazy to me!” a third user wrote.
Do you think Oats deserved to be punished?