Getty Image / Brandon Sumrall
It was a night of dreams for Tennessee fans when they beat Alabama 52-49 earlier this month. It was the Vols’ first win over their longtime rival since 2007, and signified the official return of a powerful Tennessee Volunteer football program. Quarterback Hendon Hooker was phenomenal, Jaylin Wyatt caught five touchdowns, and the defense hung on for dear life down the stretch to set up the game-winning field goal.
But, an incident that happened right after the game has been in the news since. A video surfaced after the game and Vol fans alleged that Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton struck a Tennessee fan as the Volunteer faithful stormed the field.
The amount of people defending Jermaine Burton for his actions is alarming, most of them being Alabama fans. Their team loses and NOW storming the field is an issue.. pic.twitter.com/0mWSsJ7PyG
— Dylan (@TheBeardedPod) October 19, 2022
But, Burton was not suspended by Alabama. After all, a lot was happening, and it can be a scary situation for opposing players when the field is being stormed.
Alabama coach Nick Saban put out this statement after last Saturday’s Crimson Tide win over Mississippi State.
“I don’t know how many of you have ever been in a situation like that, but I talked to him,” Saban said after the 30-6 win. “He was scared. I was scared. Some of our other players were scared. I think you learn to respect other people because we have a responsibility to do that regardless of the circumstance that we’re in.”
But, new video has come out that may complicate the case.
There is a video from a different angle showing the Alabama-Tennessee incident
On Thursday evening, a video found its way to social media that purports to show the incident from a different angle with a little bit more of an extended look at the situation.
Jermaine Burton sure looks “scared” in this latest video. He just couldn’t help himself from extending his hand and hitting this woman because of this frightening situation… pic.twitter.com/ct6GbbOqSh
— Chad Withrow (@TheChadWithrow) October 28, 2022
I won’t get into what I think or didn’t think happened, but you can view it for yourself. Burton is walking in the bottom middle of the video.
Tennessee fans are fired up
Tennessee fans and other college football onlookers are understandably fired up about the new video.
Fox Sports’ Aaron Torres had quite a strong opinion on the ordeal.
We have new video on Jermaine Burton, and what's indisputable, is what anyone with a brain has argued for weeks:
He wasn't "scared." This wasnt accidental. And if Nick Saban did what's right – rather than prioritize winning – Burton wouldn't be in a Bama uniform for a while https://t.co/WnOwCGCcf9
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 28, 2022
The video clearly shows Jermaine Burton unnecessarily taking a swing at a female Tennessee fan at the 19-second mark.
This isn't a "fans shouldn't be on the field" thing. This is a football player taking a swing at a woman, thing.
Up to Nick Saban as to what he does next
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) October 28, 2022
Some Vol fans even think charges should be filed.
@UTKnoxville — time to file charges for assault. Check him hitting someone at the 7/8 second mark…
— Dr. Bob, The VA Vol (@BobNoxiousPart4) October 28, 2022
Some Crimson Tide fans think it’s a non-story.
Give it a rest Bama doesn’t need Burton to win.
— Ed (@Road_ed) October 28, 2022
It will be very interesting to see how this plays out. The teams could meet again, too, in the SEC title game.