MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Like many coaches across the nation, West Virginia’s Rich Rodriguez has set expectations for his football team regarding punctuality, hard work, and level of play. There’s one additional rule he’d like his players to observe: avoiding dancing on TikTok.
While the social media platform has become a hotspot for high school and college students to showcase their dance moves, Rodriguez has his reservations. “I’m not banning TikTok altogether,” he clarified on Monday. “I’m just not keen on them dancing on it. We’re striving for a tough, focused image, and players dancing in their sportswear on TikTok doesn’t quite align with that.”
TikTok dance videos have seen significant popularity, with notable college athletes like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and stars such as Ashton Jeanty from Boise State and Dylan Raiola from Nebraska among those who’ve participated.
Now embarking on his second tenure as the Mountaineers’ coach, Rodriguez emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual recognition. To amplify team spirit and reduce distractions, he’s decided to discourage TikTok dance trends.
“I’m within my rights to implement certain rules,” he explained. “In two decades, if they want to lounge around in pajamas, munch on snacks, and get engrossed in TikTok or anything else, that’s fine. But for now, let’s focus on winning games.”
He concluded with a compelling message, “Prioritizing games should be at the forefront, rather than securing viral fame on TikTok.”
