Mora-Snyder handshake comes to quick end at Alamo Bowl
SAN ANTONIO – A handshake, albeit brief, between Kansas State coach Bill Snyder and UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr. caused a stir following the conclusion of the Alamo Bowl.
As the coaches met at midfield for the customary postgame greeting, Mora pulled his hand away from Snyder immediately and walked off, leaving Snyder stunned. The two coaches later met a second time and shook again, which isn’t reflected on a Vine making the rounds on the Internet Friday night.
Mora was apparently upset about some late skirmishes between K-State and UCLA players in which the Wildcats fought after the whistle for a potential onside kick recovery and went for the ball as the Bruins lined up in the victory formation, intending to kneel on the ball and end the game.
“I will defend the safety of my players … forever,” Mora tweeted afterward.
I will defend the safety of my players...forever.
— Jim Mora (@UCLACoachMora) January 3, 2015
He had a different tune during his news conference.
“I want to just tip my hat to Kansas State University and their football program,” Mora said. “They’re fun to play, because they play the right way. They play hard, they play physical, they play tough, they’re disciplined. They’ve got a lot of class.”
Snyder was not asked about the exchange, but his players took to social media in his support.
This story was originally published January 2, 2015 at 11:31 PM with the headline "Mora-Snyder handshake comes to quick end at Alamo Bowl."