Kirk Herbstreit goes on explicit rant addressing accusations of SEC bias
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Kirk Herbstreit does not appreciate being accused of SEC bias. The topic came up again on Herbstreit’s Nonstop podcast with Joey Galloway, and the ESPN analyst did not hold back on sharing how he feels about his critics.
A vocal portion of the college football community, particularly those without any SEC allegiance or affiliation, feels strongly that ESPN is biased toward the SEC as the conference’s media rights partner. ESPN is also the College Football Playoff’s media rights partner.
Herbstreit is considered the face of ESPN’s college football coverage. As a broadcaster and analyst, he gives his take on the top teams in college football. Some critics accuse Herbstreit of lobbying for SEC teams to make the Playoff over other teams. Those accusations upset the long-time ESPN personality.
“These idiots say, ‘How much do people pay you to say this bulls–?’ F-off,” Herbstreit said.
“We’re talking about the sport. We’re talking about what we care about. I don’t give a s— about the SEC. I give a s— about where these teams are going to come. How are they going to find these 12 teams? Where they are going to split these hairs at No. 11, No. 12, No. 13, No. 14 — it’s fascinating to me.”
Herbstreit had more to say. Addressing claims that he uses his platform to advocate for SEC teams, he said that he doesn’t which conferences are represented in the 12-team field.
“Put Miami in. I don’t care. Put six Group of 5 teams in. Do whatever you want,” Herbtreit said. “I’m just saying — everybody recognizes the depth and the challenge of the SEC.
“You can hate that. You can make fun of that. Do whatever the hell you want with that. That’s the reality of the sport. That’s the reality of the world. You can live in a fake world.”
Herbstreit further addressed the paid shill claims.
“I get so tired of the bulls—. I just get so f—ing tired,” Herbstreit stated. “These people talking about the SEC, ‘How much they pay you’ — are you kidding me? I’ve been here for 30 years.”
It’s not the first time this month that Herbstreit has publicly addressed perceived SEC bias, calling it “BS.” Unfortunately for Herbstreit, talking about a 3-loss Texas team potentially making the CFP won’t quiet his critics any time soon.
ESPN’s College GameDay is headed to Eugene, Oregon in Week 13 for the Big Ten showdown between USC and Oregon. Herbstreit will then travel to Gainesville, Florida, to call the ABC primetime game between Tennessee and Florida.
[H/T On3]
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
