ATLANTA — Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham says he hopes he and his players will learn from his "unfortunate" postgame confrontation with Vanderbilt coach James Franklin.

Grantham released a statement Monday after speaking with Georgia coach Mark Richt and athletic director Greg McGarity. The coordinator says he loves his players and feels a "responsibility and loyalty" to stand up for them.

Franklin and Grantham exchanged words following Georgia's 33-28 win Saturday. Grantham says his actions "were not representative of what this institution stands for."

Southeastern Conference associate commissioner Charles Bloom tells The Associated Press the league is looking into what happened.

Grantham landed in trouble last year for making a choke sign as Florida lined up for the winning field goal.