Alabama condemns 'unacceptable' fan conduct after objects thrown at Georgia players

Alabama has condemned its own fans after objects were thrown from the Bryant-Denny Stadium stands at Georgia players as they headed for the tunnel after Saturday night's 20-17 Bulldogs win. The school said Sunday that it is still gathering details about what happened.

On3 reported that things got bad enough near the tunnel for Georgia staffers to tell players to put their helmets back on before walking off. In a statement first given to AL.com, Alabama said fans are expected to show respect to student-athletes, coaches, staff, officials and visitors. The school also said, "Such conduct will not be tolerated." The statement did not say whether anyone had been identified or what the consequences might be.

The frustration followed Alabama's first loss of the season, and it came after a disputed moment late in the game. On3 reported that in the fourth quarter, Georgia's KJ Bolden appeared to make contact with Alabama receiver Rico Scott, but no pass interference flag was thrown. Keelon Russell was sacked later in that possession and the Crimson Tide had to punt. After the game, coach Kalen DeBoer said his team cannot let a game get to a point where the officials become a factor, and that it has to control what it can.

For Georgia, the result meant more than a road win. It was Kirby Smart's first regular-season victory over Alabama. He came into the game 2-7 against the Crimson Tide, and both of those wins had come in the postseason, including last year's SEC Championship. Gunner Stockton completed 18 of 22 passes for 249 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and he also ran for a score. Russell went 16-for-30 for 185 yards and a touchdown and added 41 yards rushing.

The statement comes during a week when the league is paying close attention to crowd behavior. On3 also reported that the SEC fined Kentucky $500,000 after its fans stormed the field following an overtime win over LSU. Alabama's statement did not say whether the conference will look at Saturday's incident.

Both teams play again on Saturday. Alabama, now 5-1, goes to Knoxville for its annual game against Tennessee. Coming off a loss with its playoff margin shrinking, the Crimson Tide are still favored on the road. Alabama is -270 on Novig, one of the venues pricing the game, and the best sportsbook price is -275. The spread has Tennessee getting 7.5 points, and the total is 53.5. Market details are on the Alabama at Tennessee odds page.

Georgia, 6-0, returns home to face Auburn as a heavy favorite. The Bulldogs are -1011 on Novig and -1156 at Pinnacle, with an 18.5-point spread and a total of 49.5. The full numbers are on the Auburn at Georgia odds page.

Alabama has not said when its review of the postgame incident will be finished.