The Pac-12 Network might not have widespread distribution, but it certainly reaches enough homes to ensure that mistakes from broadcasters will be met with an angry response from viewers.
Chad Brown found that out on Saturday while calling Washington State’s 58-7 win over New Mexico State. That’s because Brown had an issue throughout the game with calling the Washington State Cougars the Huskies, instead, which is unfortunate on a few levels. Some WSU fans were predictably very aggrieved:
Folks, did this really happen six times on the @Pac12Network broadcast last night? pic.twitter.com/EdgyfAXXCP
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) September 1, 2019
Hey Pac12Network: Could you have your announcers make it through one fricken game without calling the Cougars the huskies? Oh and we are the Washington State Cougars, not the Washington State Huskies. If your announcers can’t get it straight fire them.
— Steve Wuerl (@steve_wuerl) September 2, 2019
@Pac12Network it’s pretty disappointing that your announcers only have to focus on 12 teams and still can’t get them right. Calling the hard working @WSUCougars Huskies throughout last night’s game is simply disrespectful + inexcusable. #GoCougs #CougsVsEverybody
— Kristie (@arizonacoug) September 1, 2019
Fellas. How about less time with the makeup and more time learning the difference between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State COUGARS. I get that slips happen but please use them to get better. ? #GoCougs
— PosiCoug (@bgreengolf) September 1, 2019
Brown addressed the issue on Sunday morning, citing a case of the verbal yips:
I’d like to apologize to all the Washington State COUGARS listening to the broadcast last night. I got a case of the verbal yips and said Huskies a few times when I meant to say Cougars. I intended no disrespect. Like most teams, I’ll get better from game one to game two! https://t.co/E6X6ofol1I
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) September 1, 2019
This can obviously happen to everyone; you say one thing wrong and then it becomes a repeating issue. Clearly Brown wasn’t trying to say Huskies repeatedly just to annoy the subsection of the population with both the Pac-12 Network and a Twitter account.
I understand the feelings abt this. It’s one thing to call a team the wrong name, it’s quite another when you call them their in-state rival. That was bad & I hope it never happens again. Frankly I’m embarrassed (and should be) & hope I’m allowed back on campus again! #DoBetter https://t.co/1YoxiwQLsW
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) September 1, 2019
That apology is maybe even more than necessary, given the situation. The yips can happen to anyone. Hopefully Brown cures his case before his next trip to Pullman.
