# Kalani Sitake Apologizes for Kneeling

> BYU coach apologizes for kneeling in final drive after win.
- Title: Kalani Sitake Apologizes for Kneeling · BYU Cougars On SI
- Summary: BYU coach apologizes for kneeling in final drive after win. BYU's coach Kalani Sitake apologized to players for kneeling on final drive after securing 28-17…
- Keywords: kalani sitake, byu cougars, arizona, nfl, college football, victory formation, playoff resume, sports, Kalani, Sitake, Apologizes, Kneeling
- Source: BYU Cougars On SI — https://si.com/college/byu/football/kalani-sitake-apologized-to-players-for-kneeling-on-the-final-drive
- Published: 2026-09-16T15:26:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kalani sitake, byu cougars, arizona, nfl, college football, victory formation, playoff resume, sports
## Final Drive Against Arizona
LJ Martin put BYU inside the Arizona 10-yard line with a 16-yard run during final drive.
## Sealed 28-17 Win
BYU sealed a 28-17 win over Arizona after kneeling the ball twice in victory formation.
## Sitake Apologizes
Sitake apologized to players in locker room for taking a knee during final drive.
## Sitake's Explanation
Sitake called kneeling 'the classy thing to do' after game.

> That's what we are, we said the second half let's get back to our identity. We're a much more physical team, right? And we started to feel it as the game went on. Sorry we knelt the ball. That's the classy thing to do, you guys understand that?
## Player Agreement
Players confirmed they knew Sitake would kneel once game was in hand.
## Fan Disagreement
Some BYU fans disagreed with Sitake's decision to kneel during final drive.
## ESPN's Assessment
ESPN's Kyle Bonagura called BYU's win 'comfortable' not 'comprehensive'.
## Key takeaway

BYU's coach Kalani Sitake apologized to players for kneeling on final drive after securing 28-17 win over Arizona.