Dawgs Bite Back at ESPN Commentary

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. – (WCBI) An ESPN commentator offends some members of the Bulldog nation after making a remark about the economic sacrifices that many made to make the trip to Omaha,Nebraska.

During Monday night’s game ESPN Announcer Mike Patrick said made this statement:

  “The coaches told us this morning a lot of people came here from Mississippi … that can’t afford the trip, but they came here to support their kids. They are so proud of them and everybody is waiting for this team to explode.”

It was the world of social media that ended up exploding, as several fans fired back at ESPN. MSU Athletic Director Scott Stricklin also used social media to respond.

“Many Bulldog fans have made sacrifices to support the team in Omaha. MSU appreciates ESPN’s attempt to applaud the devotion our great fan base,” said Stricklin via his Twitter account.

ESPN also responded Tuesday afternoon to the back lash with this statement, explaining that Patrick was simply recalling a conversation he had with one of MSU’s coaches and that he looks forward to the second game.

“Mike was relaying information conveyed to him by the Mississippi State coaches celebrating the passion and dedication of its fan base. We look forward to continuing to showcase this great team to a national audience in Game 2 tonight.” — ESPN statement released to Sunherald.com

Keep in mind, that before the Diamond Dawgs made the trip to Omaha, WCBI did the math. A trip to Nebraska for the College World Series could cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Despite the cost, Mississippi State’s faithful fans will be sitting in the stands at TD Ameritrade Park for Tuesday night’s game that begins at 7 p.m.