Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas issued an apology on social media on Sunday evening regarding an incident that occurred after the game against Arkansas from Razorback Stadium on Saturday night.
After the Razorbacks defeated the Volunteers 19-14 on Saturday, fans poured onto the field from the southeast corner of the field as they stormed in victory. The Arkansas fans burst onto the field directly next to the Tennessee bench and by the Vols’ exit tunnel in the corner of the stadium.
A video hit social media sometime after the game showing an incident between Thomas and fans on the field. Thomas appeared to push a male Arkansas fan who then barreled backwards into a female Arkansas fan.
Thomas, a fifth-year senior with the Tennessee program from Memphis, TN, took to social media to share his statement on Sunday evening:
“I apologize for my actions during the chaotic postgame scene,” Thomas posted. “Even though we got run into multiple times by fans while trying to exit the field, that doesn’t condone my actions or define my character. I sincerely apologize. I wish Arkansas and their fans all the best. Big O.”
Here’s a look at the video from the field:
UT’s Omari Thomas paying it forward from Jermaine Burton I guess. Can’t do that. pic.twitter.com/10jzu352Jf
— Aaron Leicht (@aaronleicht) October 6, 2024
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Thomas is one of Tennessee’s veteran defensive leaders in the program and has been named a captain in two of the Vols’ games so far this season. Thomas is also one who frequently is chosen to speak with the media because of the respect he has garnered during his time in Knoxville.
Thomas recorded one solo tackle during the Vols’ 19-14 loss to Arkansas on Saturday night in Fayetteville. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman has three solo tackles on the year.
I apologize for my actions during the chaotic postgame scene. Even though we got run into multiple times by fans while trying to exit the field, that doesn’t condone my actions or define my character. I sincerely apologize. I wish Arkansas and their fans all the best. Big O
— Omari “Big O” Thomas🏴 (@901_sxvxge) October 6, 2024
