Watch Florida Coach Will Muschamp blast media at news conference
Florida rolled to a 24-6 victory in its season opener against Toledo on Saturday, but Coach Will Muschamp was anything but happy during his postgame news conference.
At least he was unhappy with certain media outlets at that news conference. After discussing the game, Muschamp went on a tirade lasting more than two minutes calling out the Gainesville Sun, the Palm Beach Post and Gator Country for incorrectly reporting that freshman defensive linemen Jaynard Bostwick had been suspended for the game.
“It was inaccurate and it was wrong and it was totally irresponsible,” Muschamp said. “Your opinion is fine. Take shots at me all day. [Florida Athletic Director] Jeremy [Foley] pays me enough. I’ll take ‘em all day. But to take a shot at a freshman that’s done everything we’ve asked him to do since he’s been here. He’s a great young man. ... He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s a great teammate. He’s great in that locker room, and to take that shot is wrong.”
According to the Associated Press, five other players were suspended -- linebacker Antonio Morrison, cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy, defensive tackle Darious Cummings, receiver Latroy Pittman and offensive lineman Quinteze Williams. Bostwick suited up but did not make it into the game.
Muschamp went on to address the responsible media outlets directly.
“Our trust is done, I can assure you that. And you know exactly who I’m talking to. I don’t know where them Gator Country guys are, but I’m going to tell you right now we’re done. That was completely wrong. You need to apologize to those parents and you need to apologize to that kid.”
No one responded when Muschamp offered those outlets a chance to identify their sources.
“Who was your source?” Muschamp said. “Church mice in here. If you want to write something, stand up and stand behind it. That’s what I’m going to tell you. You took a shot at a kid and a family that’s done nothing wrong, and it’s really bad. And I’m going to meet with Mr. Foley to see if y’all will even be allowed to come back in here again. I’ll be honest with you, it was a low blow for me. Our opening ball game at the University of Florida, and I’m dealing with this — bad journalism. Sources said.”
Muschamp touched on a lot of the same themes as Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy did in his infamous “I’m a man, I’m 40!” tirade -- as the video above from Corey Brooks on YouTube cleverly shows.
As you can see, Muschamp is slightly less intense than Gundy, but he seems just as angry.
ALSO:
Johnny Manziel ‘flashes’ signs of brilliance
College football roundup: No. 1 Alabama rolls past Virginia Tech
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.