Mark Sears' mother clarifies reaction to son being benched vs. LSU

On Saturday, Alabama head coach Nate Oats made the shocking decision to bench star guard Mark Sears in the second half against LSU. Alabama ultimately outscored the Tigers 40-33 in the second half, leading to an 80-73 victory but fans couldn’t help but questions Oats’ decision.

They weren’t the only ones who were stunned by the move. Sears was visibly emotional on the sideline in the second half while supporting his teammates. On Monday, Sears’ mother commented on the situation in a post to Facebook.

“As a Mother, while I may not agree with the decision, I recognize and respect Coach Oats and the entire Alabama’s coaching staff,” Lameka Trimble Sears wrote. “I did not agree with the choice to keep Mark on the bench for the entire second half, but I fully understand that in sports, especially at this level, these moments happen, and we all learn and grow from them. Mark didn’t perform poorly ( my opinion) – sometimes shots just don’t fall, but every player deserves a chance to regain their rhythm!

“Regarding personal moments that have been shared, I want to clarify that Mark’s emotion on the bench was a reflection of his passion and commitment to his teammates. We’re proud of how he continues to handle those moments with maturity and focus.

“Mark and his teammates have put in blood sweat and tears into the success of this program! He’s not an entitled individual, he understands the value of hard work and a strong work ethic because of who we are as his parents have instilled that in him! If you know anything about Mark Sears you would know that!!!”

Oats benched Sears in the second half after the All-American guard failed to score on five shot attempts in the first half and committed two turnovers. Sears played 17 minutes in the first half but didn’t touch the hardwood after halftime.

Sears wasn’t the only player whose minutes suffered against LSU. Starting forward Clifford Omoruyi didn’t start the second half after a lackluster performance through the first 20 minutes of the game. However, unlike Sears, Omoruyi received another chance in the game and made the most of it.

After the game, Oats sparingly addressed his controversial decision.

“This is all I’m gonna say about playing time stuff,” Oats said. “We played the guys in the second half that we thought gave us the best chance to win the game, and we on the game. Our defense was significantly better in the second half than in the first half, and we haven’t done that much this year.”

While Sears’ mother wasn’t happy with Oats’ decision at first, she is ready to move and continue to see Alabama thrive this season.

“At the end of the day, we are family, we go thru adversity but we pull together when it matters most!” she wrote. “Mark is committed to improving every day and is focused on supporting his teammates in whatever way he can. We remain confident that with hard work and
determination, the best is truly yet to come.”