UAB Football Coach Discusses Team’s Determination After Player Arrested
Alex Mortensen, serving as the interim head football coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), addressed the media regarding his team’s commitment to facing South Florida on Saturday. This came just hours after a player was arrested on suspicion of stabbing a teammate.
He emphasized that the players were eager to compete, particularly with Saturday being recognized as senior day. “We had discussions as a team, and they really wanted to play today. Then, the talk shifted to the seniors, and they wanted to go out and play for them,” Mortensen shared during the postgame conference.
He noted that while some players opted not to participate, the majority were intent on honoring their teammates. Mortensen said, “We are empathetic to what everyone is experiencing, and we encourage them to seek counseling and express their needs.” He also highlighted the preparation the team followed leading up to the game, suggesting that sticking to routine may have helped maintain focus among the players.
Mortensen stepped into the head coach role in October after the previous coach, Trent Dilfer, was dismissed following a loss to Florida Atlantic. “This team has faced a lot recently,” he remarked.
In the game itself, UAB lost 48-18, bringing their season record to 3-8. Earlier that day, two players were stabbed during practice, as confirmed by university officials.
The identities of those involved in the incident, including the stabbing victim and the player who was detained, have not been made public. According to online jail records, 20-year-old Daniel Israel Mincey was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder. However, the university has not confirmed whether Mincey was involved in the incident.
“We’re relieved to announce that the two injured players are in stable condition. Our thoughts are with them and their families as they heal,” expressed a university spokesperson. Meanwhile, Mincey remains in custody while the investigation continues.
The stabbing took place at around 3 p.m. ET, mere hours before UAB was set to host the game against South Florida. A university representative reiterated that the safety and well-being of all students is the institution’s top priority, and further comments will be limited due to patient privacy and the ongoing inquiry.
