Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery took to Twitter on Monday to apologize for his cheap shots in Saturday's loss at USC.
The sophomore appeared to purposely nudge injured USC running back Aca'Cedric Ware's head while the Trojan was on the ground after being the victim of targeting and then later intentionally stepped on USC offensive tackle Zach Banner's foot while he lay on the ground.
MORE: Tillery should be embarrassed
Officials apparently missed the head-nudge, but Tillery was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after he stepped on Banner.
"I want to take full responsibility for my actions on Saturday," Tillery wrote in part in a statement he tweeted Monday evening. "I am truly sorry. … I want to especially apologize to Aca'Cedric, Zach, their families and anyone else affected by what I did. I assure you I will learn and grow from this moment and become a better man because of it."
About Saturday's game: pic.twitter.com/rHPcNbKG0B
— Jerry Tillery (@JerryTillery) November 28, 2016
The two Trojans took to Twitter to acknowledge and accept Tillery's apology.
Respect bro 🙏🏾💪🏾 https://t.co/qZQ4F2I1ey
— ced (@ware_ced) November 28, 2016
Mistakes happen bro, I'm good, Ced's good. You earned my respect from your apology. Take care. https://t.co/9y1L6SqOzi
— Zach Banner (@zachbanner73) November 29, 2016
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly told reporters after Saturday's 45-27 loss that he didn't see the incidents but he would speak with Tillery.
"Accountability is built within any program," Kelly said. "Jerry has to be accountable for his actions every single day. Jerry is a good kid, and if he made a mistake, we'll hold him accountable for that mistake. We'll take a look at it."
