Kirk Herbstreit issues apology to Tennessee DB Rashaan Gaulden
During Tennessee’s loss to Alabama earlier this year, Vols DB Rashaan Gaulden gave Alabama fans a double-middle-finger salute, drawing the ire of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit.
Herbstreit called for Tennessee to kick Gaulden off the team, saying he should never play again for such a stunt.
However, when Herbstreit defended Heisman Trophy-winning QB Baker Mayfield against critics on Saturday night, Gaulden was quick to point out how he felt the comments were unfair:
My man @baker_mayfield6 is VERY misunderstood! His competitive spirit is special and sure, sometimes has gotten the best of him. But, he is a good man that is driven to be the best. Congrats Baker!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 10, 2017
Lol bro but I should be kicked off the team and eat popcorn and I don't have a chip on my shoulder and I'm not competitive! Use to have a lot of respect for you!!! https://t.co/69W3IwjNvC
— Rashaan Gaulden (@Gmoney_7era) December 10, 2017
On Sunday afternoon, though, Herbstreit realized the error of his ways and owned up to his opinion, issuing a classy apology to Gaulden for his previous comments:
When you make a mistake it’s important to own it. @Gmoney_7era is 100% right and I apologize to him. Was more disappointed that day w/ Tennessee’s lack of discipline as a team and this was my breaking point. Unfair to Rashaan. I’m sorry. I’m glad you pointed this out man. https://t.co/oKIQ1YU4Kp
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 10, 2017
It’s never easy to admit when you are wrong, but Herbstreit took a step back and realized that he was unfair to Gaulden.
Now, hopefully, the whole incident can be put in the past and the player and analyst can move on with their lives with respect for one another.