Alabama’s Mark Sears Set to Return After Bench Stint in LSU Game
In a surprising turn during Alabama’s recent matchup against LSU, star player Mark Sears was benched for the entirety of the second half, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Coach Nate Oats made the tough decision to sideline Sears in a close SEC contest, which the Crimson Tide ultimately won. As the team prepares for a ranked showdown against Mississippi State on Wednesday, Sears is expected to return to action.
Oats emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards within the program, especially following a successful Final Four run last season. While he has not disclosed the details behind Sears’ benching, he also benched Cliff Omoruyi during the same game. Unlike Sears, Omoruyi was later reintegrated and made significant contributions to the team’s victory.
At the heart of Oats’ strategy is the philosophy that no individual should be above the team, including himself. He cited Nick Saban’s ability to lead Alabama to victory even while sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of a resilient program built on strong culture and teamwork.
"My first year here, I had to go to my grandfather’s funeral," Oats recalled, stressing that the program must be robust enough to perform without depending solely on any one person.
As Alabama navigates a challenging SEC schedule, Oats reiterated the need for contributions from all players, including finding the best version of both Sears and Omoruyi. "We certainly need Sears, we certainly need Cliff," he remarked, underscoring that the health of the program depends on collective effort as the team aims for further success this season.
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