Sports
Sports

Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa calls out critics, defends Jalen Hurts on Twitter

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field after beating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Alabama Crimson Tide won 26-23. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Credit: Jamie Squire

Credit: Jamie Squire

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field after beating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Alabama Crimson Tide won 26-23. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
By Juliakate E Culpepper
Jan 11, 2018

Alabama freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa spoke out in defense of teammate Jalen Hurts Thursday on Twitter after many fans criticized Hurts’ play and attitude after being benched in the National Championship game against Georgia.

Tagovailoa was relatively unknown to the world of college football before he replaced Hurts in the second half of Alabama’s National Championship win and threw the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

"Tired of people not appreciating the fact that if this man led us to the National Championship," Tagovailoa said. "And for all the fans that are against Jalen, you against me too. You either WITH US or AGAINST US. Love you 2 #BigBroLittleBro."

Hurts responded shortly after Tagovailoa's initial post writing, "Love You Too Lil Bro ! Proud Of You! #NationalChampions."

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) fights for possession during the first half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

‘Whole new ballgame’: Dream’s defense cools down Fever in Game 1 win

Second and fourth quarters prove to be the difference in first playoff win in seven years.

Dream’s mission continues: Defeat the Fever, avoid do-or-die Game 3

With semifinals within reach, Atlanta seeks to handle business Tuesday in Indiana instead of risking a winner-take-all game back home.

Howard, Gray help Dream open playoffs the right way

The Latest

The Atlanta Dream logo is seen on display on the center court at the Gateway Center Arena before the first-round playoff game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Dream’s mission continues: Defeat the Fever, avoid do-or-die Game 3

Atlanta TV sports listings

‘Whole new ballgame’: Dream’s defense cools down Fever in Game 1 win

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.