Nick Saban explained why he did not suspend wide receiver Jermaine Burton for an incident with a Tennessee fan following last week’s loss to the Vols. Burton allegedly struck a female fan as he was walking off the field last Saturday.

Saban holds the position that the team felt “scared” after the fans of a bitter rival rushed the field and that the actions did not warrant a suspension. He also noted that reporters and outsiders did not know the full story.

Burton totaled 2 receptions for 40 yards in Alabama’s 30-6 win over Mississippi State Saturday. You be the judge of Saban’s comments postgame:

Fans were also outraged that Burton played Saturday night prior to Saban’s comments.

The Crimson Tide are 7-1 on the year after downing the Bulldogs in Week 8. Alabama faces a bye week in Week 9 before a potential SEC West-clinching game against LSU in Week 10.