Skip to content

Houston's Applewhite, Oliver reconcile after jacket dispute

Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It appears as though Houston head coach Major Applewhite and defensive lineman Ed Oliver have moved past a heated sideline confrontation during Thursday's game against Tulane in which Applewhite forced his star defender to remove a jacket.

Applewhite addressed the situation postgame, insisting he was enforcing a team rule in which sideline jackets are reserved for active players. Oliver's missed the past four games due to a knee injury.

Both parties worked to put the past behind them on Friday.

"Ed is a passionate human being, and that is why he is the best player in the country. Last night was not indicative of his character and it was a passionate moment within our program. We, can we will, both learn from this situation as we move forward together," Applewhite said in a statement, according to Chris Vannini of The Athletic.

"Last night is not who I am. I'm very passionate about the game of football and last night there was a misunderstanding. I was caught in an emotional moment. I have the utmost respect for Coach Applewhite and I appreciate the support of Coach Applewhite and my teammates during this time. I love my brothers, my team and my city and I'm looking forward to moving forward with them together. Go Coogs!" reads Oliver's statement.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox