Alabama’s Message Is Clear: “Disrespect Will Be Addressed” - On the Field
The Alabama Crimson Tide aren’t interested in talking much about disrespect - but they’re definitely not ignoring it. If anything, they’ve made their stance crystal clear. And they’re sticking to it like it’s stitched into the uniform.
From SEC Media Days back in July to the week leading into their College Football Playoff clash with Oklahoma, Alabama players have been remarkably consistent - almost rehearsed - in how they respond to questions about opponents taking shots at the program. The phrase of choice? “Disrespect will be addressed.”
That line first surfaced when defensive lineman Tim Keenan was asked about Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos and his bold preseason comments aimed squarely at the Tide. Keenan didn’t flinch: “Disrespect will be addressed.”
Moments later, linebacker Deontae Lawson was hit with the same question. His reply? Practically identical: “All disrespect will be addressed.”
Fast forward five months, and Alabama is once again facing a team that’s poked the bear. After Oklahoma’s 23-21 win over the Tide in November, several Sooners players celebrated by standing on the Alabama logo at midfield - right on the “A” at Saban Field - snapping photos while a Crimson Tide staffer tried to rope off the area. It didn’t sit well with Alabama then, and it still doesn’t now.
“That type of disrespect will be addressed on the field,” linebacker Justin Jefferson said this week, echoing the same mantra that’s now become a calling card for this Alabama squad.
It’s not just a slogan. It’s a mindset.
Alabama fans are hoping that this time, the response on the field speaks louder than the words off it. Because the last time the Tide tried to “address disrespect,” things didn’t go so well.
Castellanos, who had said “Nick Saban can’t save them,” backed it up with a 31-17 win for Florida State in the season opener. Alabama’s defense struggled to contain him, and Castellanos cashed in postgame by selling T-shirts that read “Nick Can’t Save Them.”
The shirts might be gathering dust now after FSU stumbled to a 5-7 finish, but the moment stung - and it stuck.
Now, Alabama gets another shot at setting the record straight. Saturday night’s CFP showdown in Norman isn’t just about advancing - it’s about responding. And this time, the disrespect is personal.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer admitted he wasn’t fully aware of the Sooners’ midfield celebration until recently.
“I guess I wasn’t aware of that,” DeBoer said. “Now I am, so I’m gonna talk to our team about it. ...
I do remember something vaguely about that. It hasn’t even been a conversation in our meetings.”
That may be true in the meeting rooms, but you can bet it’s been a topic in the locker room. Alabama’s players haven’t forgotten the scene at the 50-yard line.
They haven’t forgotten the shirts. And they definitely haven’t forgotten the scoreboard in Tallahassee.
So while they might not be offering lengthy responses in front of the mic, make no mistake - they’ve been preparing their answer. And if Alabama has its way, it’ll come loud and clear under the lights on Saturday night.
Because for this Crimson Tide team, it’s not about talking. It’s about addressing.