WVU Football
WVU HC Neal Brown Clarifies Viral Comments, Responds to Backlash
For the first time since his weekly press conference on Monday, WVU head coach Neal Brown spoke openly about his viral comments. Brown responded to the backlash he’s been receiving on his radio show with Tony Caridi.
“I would urge everyone, just to listen to how I open the press conference. I really talked about how disappointed, and I talked about the stage being set because it was. It was a great night. I thought our athletic department did a tremendous job. Our fans created a great atmosphere, and it was the entire day. The Mantrip was outstanding. We had, I don’t know how many miners were at the end of the mantrip – 50+ probably. I mean, it was a great atmosphere. Everything was set. New uniforms, Coal Rush, top 10 opponent, and then we didn’t deliver. We didn’t win the game and that was tough,” said Brown.
After defending himself and clarifying his comments, Brown emphasized that he does care about winning and understands the expectations that come with being the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers. Brown said he embraces everything that comes with the job.
WVU HC Neal Brown: “I hate losing. It’s not okay. I can’t stand it. I fully understand the expectations and scrutiny that comes with this job.”
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 17, 2024
“I hate losing. It’s not okay. I can’t stand it. I fully understand the expectations and scrutiny that comes with this job,” he stressed.
“You want to coach and play at a place where it matters. And it matters here. There’s a lot of weight when you don’t perform like you’re supposed to.”
The Neal Brown backstory….
For those somehow unaware what started all of this, Brown responded to a question asked by WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti for WVU fans after the team squandered another big game. Brown then offered a bizarre answer that angered Mountaineer Nation even more.
Below is what Brown said in its entirety. Based on what’s on all of the graphics and social media posts, it’s possible you haven’t seen the entire thing.
Brown was asked if he had a message to fans to convince them to show up after another disappointment.
“I get that they want to win. But what I would say is – did they have a good time? Did they enjoy it? It was a pretty good atmosphere. I’m assuming they had a pretty good time tailgating, so if they’re in the deal for enjoyment then I would come back. I looked at the weather and it’s going to be nice again,” said Brown.
Neal Brown’s Sales Pitch to WVU Fans: ‘Did They Have a Good Time?’
He then continued. “I get they’re frustrated that we didn’t win. We’ve played a tough schedule. Everybody that’s beat us hasn’t lost. But that’s no excuse, that’s just the truth and the games in our league are going to come down to the fourth quarter and I don’t think this one on Saturday is going to be any different. We need them to help us. I do get their frustration.”
For a related story, WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti explained how Neal Brown should’ve handled the question.