— Houston Wednesday night in the Texas Bowl, Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin claimed a Texas Tech player spat on one of his players and maybe used a racist epithet.
After Ole Miss’ Dayton Wade fumbled early in the fourth quarter and Texas Tech recovered, a melee ensued. There was pushing and shoving between players, and Jordan Watkins of Ole Miss was penalized for a personal foul.
Kiffin stated after the game, which Ole Miss defeated 42-25, that the penalty should have been assessed to Texas Tech’s Dimitri Moore, who wears No. 11, instead of Watkins, who wears No. 11.
“They announce our 11, who is Jordan Watkins, who was not in the fight; it was their 11 who was fighting 71 (Ole Miss lineman Jayden Williams), and everyone knew because their own coaches were hollering at the guy,” Kiffin said.
“There was a racist insult involved, but that’s not what we’re discussing; we’re talking about the spitting. I presented our own 71 to the officials, correct or wrong, do you observe him weeping? He is not crying because he was spat on, but rather because of what was said.”
Kiffin responded that he was unsure if a Texas Tech player used a racial slur at one of his players.
Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin and Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire converse at midfield after the Texas Bowl between Ole Miss and Texas Tech on December 28, 2022 at NRG Stadium in Houston. Ken Murray / Icon Sportswire through the generosity of Getty Images
Kiffin stated, “Because I did not hear it, I cannot confirm that he used a racist slur against one of our players.” “I was told that was spoken during the incident, but I was unable to hear it. Clearly, this would be a major concern.”
Moore and Williams both identify as Black.
Kiffin stated that he became so agitated during the game because he did not think it was fair that his player received a penalty that clearly should have been on another player.
“I will defend our players if a child spits on them and is implicated in front of a national audience,” Kiffin stated. Therefore, Jordan must cope with this.
Kiffin stated that he discussed the matter with Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire after the game, although McGuire was not asked about it.
“If you look closely, you’ll notice that one of them is chuckling because he just got off,” Kiffin added. “He is yelling at the player, and they are losing their minds… I spoke with their head coach after the game, and he exclaimed, “Insane officiating!” I respond, “Yeah, that was awful on that play where your player spat and our player received a penalty.” He responded, “Yeah, I know.””
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