Mark Ingram, Matt Leinart react to Malachi Moore on-field meltdown vs. Vanderbilt

Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore has received plenty of backlash for his actions during Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt this past Saturday.

The senior admitted later that he let his emotions get the best of him and expressed frustration with the Crimson Tide coaching staff, while also shoving Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia’s helmet into the ground late in the game.

While plenty of people have been critical of Malachi More, former Crimson Tide star Mark Ingram and former USC star Matt Leinart defended Moore on The Triple Option podcast this week.

“I was pissed too,” Mark Ingram said of Alabama losing to Vanderbilt. “I don’t love how he handled it. He doesn’t love how he handled it. Obviously he regrets it. He apologized about it. He has held himself accountable for it. He was a leader in the locker room afterwards, and he’s been a leader in the locker room since. Is that a moment he wishes he had back? Yes. He issued a statement over social media and apologized for it and was accountable for it. He said it was unacceptable.”

Mark Ingram continued, stating that Malachi Moore has done enough for the Alabama program that he deserves the benefit of the doubt after a situation like this.

“He’s a two-time captain at the University of Alabama. His handprints, his footprints are set in stone at the Walk of Champions. So is he happy about that? No. But at the same time, when you put your blood, sweat and tears and you care about something, he came back to Alabama for a fifth year to achieve greatness. And so did he have a little meltdown? Yes. But at the same time, I am not mad that he showed that type of emotion, because that is what you need for your team,” Ingram said.

Matt Leinart agreed with Mark Ingram, stating that he understands why Malachi Moore was so frustrated. The Crimson Tide defense couldn’t get off the field in the loss to the Commodores, who entered the game 2-2 on the year and lost to Georgia State earlier this season.

“I don’t really mind it, to be honest. You’re maybe an All-American. You’re a captain. This is an emotional game, and like Mark said, you come back to potentially win a natty… and as long as you address and you hold yourself accountable in that locker room that’s all that matters,” Leinart said. “Nothing else outside of what we say or anyone else says, none of that matters. All that matters is what’s in that locker room.

“And I guarantee you that guy’s got the respect of everybody on that team. … It’s Vanderbilt, like again, are you kidding me? From a player’s perspective yea, I get it.”