Tuesday’s matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Missouri Tigers featured a chippy moment that involved Alabama head coach Nate Oats and a Missouri player, which was well-discussed by fans after the game.
The altercation stemmed from Missouri guard Anthony Robinson II fighting for a loose ball with Alabama guard Aaron Estrada.
Robinson was able to come away with the ball, but Estrada then began to get in the face of one of Robinson’s teammates. Both teams began to jaw back and forth, which led to Oats pushing away the Missouri player standing in Estrada’s face.
Things are getting chippy in Tuscaloosa, as Alabama head coach Nate Oates pushes away a Missouri player in an on-court skirmish.👀 pic.twitter.com/h3RWTz6JUy
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 17, 2024
Typically when coaches put their hands on a player in any way, they receive a technical foul. However, Oats was not disciplined whatsoever, which angered many fans on social media who noticed the interaction.
Nate Oats is a clown
I’ve never seen a coach be allowed to push an opposing player before 🤔@SECOfficiating @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/Y4vTFFTuii
— Braden Borman (@middle_Borman) January 17, 2024
When I coached ball, if an opposing coach ever put his hands on one of my players, he was gonna feel my hands on his noggin’.
Head coach’s job is to get their own players back. Not push opposing players.
Bad form by Nate Oats. pic.twitter.com/NH7cDG0ihM
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) January 17, 2024
Don’t care the reason, the coach, or any other circumstances: you do not put your hands on an opposing player. Full stop. At any level of basketball. https://t.co/W2p9JCECuw
— JC Hoops (@JacksonCollier) January 17, 2024
Unreal. Hope there is some disciplinary action forthcoming. https://t.co/NMlkuUepgX
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) January 17, 2024
Bama has no disciplinary action. We know that. This is uncalled for https://t.co/bgs6pxxswq
— JD Shelburne (@JDSHELBURNE) January 17, 2024
The SEC needs to severely punish him. You can’t put your hands on an opposing player. https://t.co/G2VXHFN7bE
— Michael (@Joesportscaller) January 17, 2024
Oats appeared to just be trying to put an end to the situation by removing the Missouri player before anything else happened between the two, which luckily did end up being the case.
However, you simply cannot put your hands on an opposing player under any circumstances. If the Missouri player had retaliated, he would have had every right to do so.
Luckily things didn’t escalate to that level. But it is clear that most college basketball fans who say this altercation thought that Oates was in the wrong in this instance.
