Oklahoma State‘s head coach, Mike Gundy, didn’t hold back when criticizing his own fans after the team’s rough 42-21 loss to Arizona State, marking their sixth straight defeat in a rocky season. Gundy’s comments were controversial, to say the least, as he openly slammed some Oklahoma State supporters for their negativity towards the team.
“In most cases, the people who are negative and voicing their opinions are the same ones that can’t pay their own bills,” Gundy fired off during Monday’s press conference. He took it even further, suggesting that critics lash out only to feel better about themselves, ultimately going to bed “the same failure” as before.
Gundy’s remarks quickly stirred up backlash. Accusing frustrated fans of weakness and failure, he added, “Most people are weak and fall apart once something goes wrong.” For fans who’ve supported the team but are struggling with its current downturn, these words landed hard.
With Oklahoma State’s record now 3-6 and their worst season under Gundy potentially looming, fans’ complaints about the team’s performance aren’t exactly out of the blue. The Cowboys have allowed 38 or more points in five consecutive games, a tough pill to swallow for any loyal fan base.
He stated a lukewarm apology
Realizing the heat his comments were generating, Gundy issued a statement the next day-though his “apology” was notably lukewarm. “I apologize to those who my comments during Monday’s media call offended,” he posted, but avoided any real admission of regret, clarifying only that he hadn’t intended to offend loyal supporters. For many, his words came off as more of a damage-control move than a heartfelt apology.
Despite Oklahoma State’s historically strong performance under Gundy-he’s led them to 18 consecutive winning seasons and is the program’s all-time winningest coach with 169 victories-the team’s recent decline has left fans understandably disappointed.
Just last year, the Cowboys made it to the Big 12 Championship and were ranked as high as No. 13. Now, they face the possibility of their worst season in nearly two decades under Gundy, a drastic shift that’s left some questioning the program’s direction.
With a showdown against TCU looming, Gundy’s comments put added pressure on an already tense situation. Fans labeled as “weak” by their own coach will be looking for a reason to cheer again. And after his cutting remarks, Gundy has to hope his team can deliver a performance that rekindles fans’ support rather than fueling further criticism.
