Rashaan Gaulden explains his two-fingered Tuscaloosa salute during Tennessee Pro Day: 'I hate Alabama. That’s just how it is'
During his recent trip to the NFL Scouting Combine, Tennessee’s draft-hopeful Rashaan Gaulden had to answer questions about more than just his play on the field and injury history in Knoxville. Arguably the Volunteers best player last season, the defensive back had to answer questions regarding his two-fingered salute to Alabama fans.
After linebacker Daniel Bituli intercepted a pass from Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and took it back for a Pick Six, Gaulden flipped off the home Alabama crowd to display his love for them. The moment went viral and Gaulden was suspended by Tennessee for the following contest against Kentucky.
During Tennessee’s Pro Day on Monday, Gaulden was asked what he told NFL teams who asked him about the gesture.
“I’m a passionate guy when I step out on the field. I hate Alabama, that’s just how it is,” Gaulden said. “At the same time, I know there’s no place in sports for that kind of thing to happen. I obviously don’t want to be remembered that way at Tennessee.”
Video of Gaulden’s response was posted to Twitter by Jesse Simonton of Volquest:
Vols DB Rashaan Gaulden on NFL teams asking him about his viral salute. “I hate Alabama. That’s just the way it is … but I dont want to be remembered for that at Tennessee. I feel like I made a lot of plays.” pic.twitter.com/FHXUuTGcF8
— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) March 19, 2018
In case you’ve somehow forgotten the play Gaulden is referencing in the video above, here’s the most iconic version of the incident:
Sometimes I watch #Vols CB Rashaan Gaulden’s tape and see flaws, but then I remember he’s an absolute legend for this post pick-6, double birds AT Bryant-Denny Stadium: pic.twitter.com/9ClqFnWPjV
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 5, 2018