Typically, when about to make a disrespectful comment, one wouldn’t start with, “I say this respectfully.” However, that’s precisely how an incident unfolded during the closing moments of the recent Ole Miss-Vanderbilt game on ESPN+. One of the broadcasters tried to offer a thoughtful opinion, yet ended up making questionable remarks about Ole Miss’ head women’s basketball coach, Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
As her team secured a 76-61 victory over No. 23 Vanderbilt, the announcer attempted to portray Coach Yo in a manner that lacked respect. “Look, I say this respectfully,” he stated after an Ole Miss timeout with under 55 seconds remaining. “And she’s done an incredible job. She has, right? Three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. I can see why some — uh — some of Coach Yo would be an acquired taste. It’s a lot of bombastic motions on the sidelines and all of that sort of stuff. Working the officials, timeouts when you’re up by, what? 15 points. All of that sort of stuff. Look, you should be yourself. Coach how you’re going to coach. But I can see where there would be acquired taste.”
The SECN+ announcer at today’s Ole Miss women’s bball game vs Vanderbilt makes ridiculous comments about Coach Yo, as the Rebels’ HC called a timeout to teach and coach her players. The comments were uncalled for.
“Acquired taste?” “Bombastic motions?” Ever watch Kim Mulkey? 😂 pic.twitter.com/9Ys2KX6CKT
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) February 3, 2025
The commentary carried the vibe of “People are saying…” while lacking the nuance typically expected from a responsible announcer. McPhee-McCuin quickly caught wind of the remarks, understandably taking offense, particularly since home teams usually provide announcers for ESPN+ broadcasts. She expressed her feelings by stating, “The disrespect from Vanderbilt’s tv announcers was classless, unnecessary and uncalled for! I’m truly grateful for my growth in these days and times! So that’s all I’m going to say about it! God Bless!”
The disrespect from Vanderbilt’s tv announcers was classless, unnecessary and uncalled for! I’m truly grateful for my growth in these days and times! So that’s all I’m going to say about it! God Bless!
— Coach Yo (@YolettMcCuin) February 3, 2025
Ultimately, the only thing more disrespectful than the commentary itself was the misguided attempt to present it as something less than a low blow.
