Usually, when you’re about to say something disrespectful, you don’t want to start by saying, “I say this respectfully.”
But that’s exactly how things unfolded during the closing moments of an Ole Miss-Vanderbilt broadcast over the weekend. One of the ESPN+ broadcasters thought he was offering a thoughtful take when he made some questionable remarks about Ole Miss’ head women’s basketball coach, Yolett McPhee-McCuin.
As her team cruised to a 76-61 victory over No. 23 Vanderbilt, the announcer attempted to paint a picture of Coach Yo that came across as far from respectful.
“Look, I say this respectfully,” began the announcer following an Ole Miss timeout with under 55 seconds to go. “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 was full of ‘People are saying’ vibes and had all the nuance of an anonymous opinion dropped without the responsibility of owning it. It didn’t take long for McPhee-McCuin to catch wind of the comments, and understandably, she took issue with them — especially considering that, on ESPN+ broadcasts, the home team typically provides the announcers.
“The disrespect from Vanderbilt’s tv announcers was classless, unnecessary and uncalled for!” she wrote. “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! Im 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
And really, the only thing more disrespectful than the commentary was the attempt to dress it up as anything other than a low blow.
