Tempers flared during what should have been a joyous celebration for Montana State.
Bobcats running back Julius Davis blew up on head coach Brent Vigen after the team’s 21–13 victory over Yale on Saturday in the second round of the FCS football playoffs.
Davis, who handled 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown, erupted into a fit of rage after Vigen yanked him away from what seemed to be an amicable postgame exchange with a Bulldogs player.
Bobcats cornerback Takhari Carr attempted to remedy the situation by separating the two, but Davis shoved him aside and continued jawing back and forth with his coach for over a minute.
Davis issued a statement on social media Saturday night to apologize for his actions, while also providing context to the heated exchange.
The senior running back explained that the since-viral clip “misconstrued a moment” where he was trying to shake hands with one of his former Wisconsin teammates, who had transferred to Yale.
“I want to sincerely apologize to my teammates and my coach for my actions. In the heat of the moment, I let my emotions get the best of me and reacted in a way that was unacceptable,” Davis wrote.
“Arguing the way I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for it. Coach Vigen and I already talked, no one outside of this team understands our relationship and how much respect I have for him.
“I also understand that my reaction was seen by many, and I’m truly sorry for the example it set,” he added. “I hold myself, my team, my coaches, and the game itself to a high standard, and I didn’t reflect that in my behavior. I’m committed to learning from this moment, handling my emotions better, and showing the respect and professionalism that my teammate, my coach, and everyone watching deserves. Thank you for holding me accountable, I will be better moving forward.”
Following the clash with his coach, Davis plastered on a holiday-card smile as the Bobcats gathered for a team photo to commemorate the postseason victory.
Davis transferred to Montana State from Wisconsin after the 2022 season and led the Bobcats this year with 948 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, also adding one receiving score.
Montana State, the No. 2-ranked FCS squad in the nation with an impressive 11–2 record, will next host Stephen F. Austin in the tournament’s quarterfinal on Dec. 12.
