Bret Bielema Getting Crushed For What He Told The Media
On Monday, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema spoke to the media about the current state of his team. He decided to use that time as a chance to criticize his roster’s overall talent.
“I just know this, as a head coach you’re only as good as your roster,” Bielema told reporters. “I kind of learned that the first time I went to the Kentucky Derby, right? Nobody was betting on the jockeys. Everybody was betting on the horses, so to win the derby you gotta have the right horse, and I think our players are gonna be a reflection of what our program stands for.”
Bielema then revealed which position groups need to improve.
“In particular the offensive line, I don’t believe we have a player in the two deep [second stringers] that [previous coaching staffs] have recruited here over the last three years that is really significantly doing anything for us in the playing department, and that’s a major concern. That’s something that we have to do.”
As you’d expect, the sports world didn’t appreciate those remarks from Bielema. That’s why several analysts and players went on social media to put Illinois’ head coach on blast.
“Exactly what NOT to do as a College HC in front of the media,” former NFL defensive back Darius Butler said. “This is a conversation for Coaches, Admin and Boosters maybe. You don’t throw kids under the bus like this. What a clown.”
Exactly what NOT to do as a College HC in front of the media. This is a conversation for Coaches, Admin and Boosters maybe. You don’t throw kids under the bus like this. What a 🤡 pic.twitter.com/pA886wDJXj
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) October 19, 2021
“This is cringe worthy from Bielema,” NFL Network’s Mike Giardi said. “You can think this but you can’t say this. Way to inspire the troops and lead.”
This is cringe worthy from Bielema. You can think this but you can't say this. Way to inspire the troops and lead… https://t.co/RQFKNIZIN0
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 19, 2021
“Can’t remember last time I heard a HC go scorched earth on his own team,” Mike Chappell of FOX59 said. “Players gotta be royally pissed.”
Can't remember last time I heard a HC go scorched earth on his own team.
Players gotta be royally pissed. https://t.co/6IliPOQjxa— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) October 19, 2021
“Why would anyone want to play for Bret Bielema after hearing this? Major yikes,” Matt Lombardo of FanSided tweeted.
Why would anyone want to play for Bret Bielema after hearing this? Major yikes. https://t.co/bBTXCPv6pM
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) October 19, 2021
Bielema will most likely have to face questions about his recent remarks at his next press conference.
Illinois will be on the road this Saturday against Penn State. It’s hard to envision Bielema’s team playing inspired football this weekend after hearing what he had to say about certain position groups.
The post Bret Bielema Getting Crushed For What He Told The Media appeared first on The Spun.
