Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Because the ABC camera crews caught the in- cident, Kelly received his share of criticism for his public display. From being labeled a "serial abuser" to being called out to at least apologize, Kelly remained defiant when he was asked about it the next day. "They don't know what happened," he said of his critics. "It's typical of those that are just looking at the video without having any of the information. "Only those that are clearly near the situation that have all the information can make those judgments. It's an internal matter, and we're han- dling it internally." When asked again the Tuesday before the Pitt game whether he thought his actions were over the top, Kelly said he needed to gain control of the sideline or risk another 15-yard penalty. "I'm responsible for the sideline," Kelly said. "Our sideline was not where it needed to be. There were some things going on the sideline that were unacceptable. It falls on my shoulders. If we were to get a penalty in that time of the game, it would have fell on me as being some- body that can't control the sideline. "So moving forward, we've made some changes to how we're going to do things on the sideline and how we'll have a better sideline situation. "Having said that, I wish the situation never occurred. I regret that it happened. David and I have met … we've moved past it. David is a valuable employee. He is a guy that does a great job here. He'll be with us a long time." On a separate note, Notre Dame sophomore quarterback DeShone Kizer also received some backlash for celebrating by flapping his arms after his four- and 79-yard touchdown runs. The Temple audience interpreted it as him mocking the Owls, the nickname of the school. Kizer ex- plained that he grew up as a Philadelphia Eagles and Donovan McNabb fan. Because he was playing in the Eagles' home stadium, he was merely mimicking the flap that their players do. "Not until I was back home did I know it was an issue," Kizer said. "I was out there trying to have some fun. I had an opportunity to live out a dream. Emotions got the best of me. If I ever knew it was going to lead to what it's starting to lead to, I would have never even considered doing anything like that. "At the end of the day, it's immature by me to do anything in the end zone. That reflects on myself and my team. I apologize for that." Kelly deemed such acts as "totally unacceptable." "It's not what we're about. It's not who we are," Kelly said. "It won't happen again." UNDER THE DOME Kelly, who received his share of criticism for what happened with Grimes, remained adament that he is responsible for controlling the Irish sideline and that steps have been taken to improve that situation. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA