Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy took to social media on Tuesday to express regret following a heated outburst directed at critics of his team.
Gundy, who has an impressive record of 169 victories over 20 seasons at Oklahoma State, finds himself in an unexpected situation this year. Having guided the team to 18 consecutive bowl appearances, expectations were high as the Cowboys were forecasted to be strong contenders for the Big 12 championship in the current season. However, they are struggling significantly, standing at the bottom of the conference with a record of 3-6, including an alarming six-game losing streak. The upcoming game against TCU is crucial for them to keep hopes alive for a non-losing season.
During his press conference on Monday, a visibly frustrated Gundy expressed his anger towards those who criticize the team. “Generally, those who are negative and share their opinions often can’t manage their own lives,” he remarked. “They fail to take care of their responsibilities, yet they feel compelled to voice complaints about others, which seems to give them a temporary sense of superiority. But at the end of the day, they remain unfulfilled just as they were before airing their grievances.”
Following a wave of backlash from fans and the media, Gundy acknowledged his misstep. “I apologize to anyone who was hurt by my comments during the media call on Monday,” he stated. “It was never my intention to alienate our loyal supporters who have stood by this program throughout the years.”
Gundy’s history of making public apologies has been documented previously; notably, in 2020, he faced backlash for referring to COVID-19 using the term “Chinese Virus.” He also drew criticism for showcasing a T-shirt from the controversial One America News Network, which led to tensions with star player Chuba Hubbard.
In his current predicament, Gundy is attempting to navigate the difficult circumstances while still trying to rally his team and reconnect with the dedicated fan base that has historically cheered for Oklahoma State.