University of Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte apologized after two Longhorns players drew criticism for inappropriate touchdown and sack celebrations during the team’s game this past weekend.

Texas players Colin Simmons and Raleek Brown were at the center of the controversy after their respective celebrations drew attention during the game. Simmons was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after mimicking urinating on the field following a quarterback sack.

Brown drew criticism for a separate touchdown celebration in which he grabbed his crotch and then his face before pretending to pass out.

Del Conte addressed the incidents in his Forty Acres Insider blog, saying the behavior was embarrassing to the football program and university.

“I’m not happy about that, I know none of us are, and it was embarrassing to our proud and widely respected football team, athletics program and university,” Del Conte wrote.

He said the celebrations generated legitimate concerns among members of the Texas community and attracted significant attention beyond the program.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian also disapproved of the celebrations, according to Del Conte, who said the players would face discipline for their conduct. Del Conte added that Simmons privately apologized after video of his celebration spread online.

The athletic director also issued his own apology to the university community and those who expect the Longhorns to uphold a higher standard.

“We should represent this university with class, dignity and respect at all times, and in those moments, we fell short,” Del Conte wrote.

Del Conte acknowledged that the players are young and characterized the incidents as mistakes that can serve as a learning experience. He said both players had taken responsibility for their actions and argued that the celebrations did not represent who they are as individuals.

The incidents come as Texas continues its season under Sarkisian, with the university emphasizing that players are expected to represent the Longhorns program appropriately both on and off the field.