Nebraska coach Bo Pelini apologizes for sideline behavior

A contrite-sounding Bo Pelini apologized Monday for his sideline behavior in Nebraska's loss Saturday to Texas A&M and reiterated that quarterback Taylor Martinez is still on the team, refuting rumors that he had quit.

"I don't agree with every call that's made, and I probably get too animated," Pelini said on the weekly Big 12 coaches teleconference.in response to a question about penalties called on the Cornhuskers. "I regret that and apologize for it."

Pelini was also caught on television angrily dressing down Martinez after the quarterback was sidelined with an ankle injury. That led to rumors and internet reports Sunday that Martinez had quit the team, which the coach said is not the case.

"There's no truth to any of those reports," he said, "There's no issue with him on the football team. I'm not sure where any of that stuff came from."

Pelini said his issues Saturday with Martinez had nothing to do with the injury. "It was something different," he said. "I regret that it was caught on national TV. It was something that needed to be addressed, and I addressed it."

He would not discuss specifics of what was discussed, saying that would remain "in-house." "It was dealt with, and we move forward. It's not an issue."

Nebraska chancellor Harvey Perlman said Sunday that Pelini's sideline behavior would be addressed, and the coach said he understands why Perlman was concerned. "I have a lot of respect for the job the chancellor has to do. I could have done a lot better the other night," he said.

Pelini said he hopes Martinez will be available to play this week against Colorado, but said he was probably "day-to-day" right now and it's too early to determine if he will be ready.

-- Jack Carey