EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon receiver Traeshon Holden issued an apology over social media to his team and Ohio State after he was ejected from Saturday night's game for unsportsmanlike conduct after he spit on a Buckeyes player.
The third-ranked Ducks were driving in the second quarter when Holden was forced to leave the game after spitting at the cornerback Davison Igbinosun's facemask.
The incident happened away from an Oregon running play that went for a loss at the Ohio State 10-yard line. Igbinosun had given Holden a push along the sideline, and Holden spit at Igbinosun. Holden was escorted off the field and into the tunnel, where he took off his helmet and threw it.
In the post, published Sunday afternoon, Holden addressed his apology to Oregon teammates, coaches, fans and Igbinosun.
"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during our recent game. My actions were not only disrespectful but also a betrayal of the values of sportsmanship, integrity, and respect that I strive to embody as a student athlete," he wrote.
After separate apologies to both Oregon and Ohio State, he continued:
"Moving forward, I am committed to making meaningful changes, not only in managing my emotions during competition but in setting a better example for my teammates and the broader community. I am determined to demonstrate growth and maturity, both on and off the field, and I hope to earn back the trust of those I've let down."
Holden had one catch for 32 yards when he was ejected. The senior receiver was second on the Ducks with three touchdown catches this season. He had at least three receptions in Oregon's previous six games dating back to last season.
Holden's ejection marked the second spitting incident Saturday in college football and third of the season.
Memphis running back Mario Anderson Jr. was thrown out for spitting on a South Florida player on Saturday, and SMU defensive back Brandon Crossley was kicked out for spitting on a Nevada player Aug. 24.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
