BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (January 17, 2024) - Alabama men's basketball head coach Nate Oats has been issued a public reprimand by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for making physical contact with a student-athlete from the opposing team during Tuesday night's game against Missouri. The announcement came from SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey on Wednesday.

Sankey expressed his disappointment with Oats' actions, stating that they were unacceptable and violated the conduct and sportsmanship expectations set by the SEC membership. He emphasized that coaches should never intentionally make contact with a student-athlete from the opposing team.

As a result of Oats' actions, he is being subjected to a public reprimand, which is in violation of sportsmanship expectations established by the Commissioner and SEC Bylaws.

According to a pre-season Commissioner's Memorandum regarding sportsmanship, coaches and personnel associated with institutions should exemplify favorable conduct, appearance, language, and sportsmanship. Behavior should consistently reflect the high standards, honor, and dignity that characterize collegiate participation. Hostile comments or gestures directed towards a student-athlete on the opposing team are considered conduct falling short of these expectations. The Memorandum also advised coaches to direct their attention towards their own team in the event of an altercation during the game, rather than engaging with the opposing team's student-athletes and coaches.

Furthermore, Oats' actions also breached SEC Bylaw 10.5 related to Conduct and Sportsmanship.

According to SEC Bylaw 10.5.1, all individuals associated with a member institution, including coaches and student-athletes, are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their behavior should consistently reflect the standards of honor and dignity that are synonymous with collegiate participation. The core values of honor, respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility are to be upheld in order to promote character development, enhance the integrity of higher education, and foster civility in society. These values should be evident not only in athletics but also in the various activities pertaining to the athletics program.

The SEC's decision to issue a public reprimand serves as a reminder that improper conduct and sportsmanship will not be tolerated within the conference. Oats will need to reflect on his actions and strive to exemplify the values upheld by the SEC moving forward.