Texas defensive end Colin Simmons received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for simulating urination after sacking Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon during the first half of a 20-17 victory in Knoxville on September 26, 2026. Head coach Steve Sarkisian benched Simmons briefly before returning him to the game, later addressing the celebration.
Colin Simmons Penalized for Celebration After Sacking Faizon Brandon
Texas defensive lineman Colin Simmons put together a dominant performance on the field against Tennessee, tying a single-game school record with five sacks in the 20-17 victory. However, one of his celebrations overshadowed his defensive output in the second quarter. After bringing down Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon for a 16-yard loss, Simmons mimed unzipping and urinating on the turf at Neyland Stadium.
The officials immediately flagged the play for unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee announced the penalty to the stadium crowd by stating the player was simulating using the restroom. The 15-yard penalty extended a Tennessee drive in the first half, though the Volunteers failed to capitalize with points before halftime.
Steve Sarkisian Addresses the Penalty and Team Discipline
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian pulled Simmons off the field immediately following the infraction. Speaking to reporters after the game, Sarkisian explained how he handled the situation on the sideline before putting his star defender back into the rotation.
“We took him out, we addressed it, and put him back in. I mean, at that point, I’m not going to give the guy the death penalty, right, over an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. We got to fix it though, right? That can’t continue as we move forward.”
Sarkisian also criticized broader cultural trends around individual attention in sports. He pointed to online media environments and social media platforms, arguing that players often chase personal spotlight over team success.
“Unfortunately, in our society right now, we live in the ‘look at me’ society. All of you guys have your Twitter accounts, and as fast as you can type something because you want everyone to look at your account, and you get clicks. Well, that’s the world that we live in.”
Teammates React to the Wacky Flag and Record-Tying Sack Count
Texas linebacker Justin Cryer attempted to intervene as the celebration unfolded on the field. He noted that while he tried to stop the penalty before it happened, the team’s focus remained on moving forward through the contest.
Photo: saturdaydownsouth.com
“I tried to run over there and grab him. I seen where it was going, and I tried to go grab him before we got a penalty, but it was too late. After the play, I just told him, ‘Look, man, we got to just keep our head.’ I know he’s having fun, he’s excited, but at the end of the day, we don’t want to let those plays, those penalties, dictate how the game’s going to go.”
Photo: heavy.com
Simmons offered his own reflection after the final whistle, expressing regret for the penalty while noting the intensity of the game as he tied a school record with five sacks in a single outing. That feat matches a program mark previously accomplished by Shane Dronett in 1990 against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
“He’s the best player on this defense. Stuff happens. You know, we got to address it. He fixed it. Didn’t happen again. But it goes on. The game goes on. We can’t be stuck on that one penalty.”
The Longhorns hold an off week before preparing to face Oklahoma in the annual Red River Rivalry.
Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Reacts to Win vs. Tennessee, Colin Simmons' Unsportsmanlike Penalty
