Back when Tennessee played Alabama this season, Vol defensive back Rashaan Gaulden drew some flack from national media members for giving a double middle finger salute to Alabama fans after the Vols scored their lone touchdown of that game.
One of those people who called out Gaulden was College Gameday host Kirk Herbstreit. He said live on air the following week that Gaulden should’ve “no longer been on the team” after flipping the bird at Alabama fans.
“I just need to say this because I haven’t had a chance to say this all week,” Herbstreit began. “They had no chance of winning the game against Alabama and one of their players, No. 7, Rashaan Gaulden, ends up throwing up the fingers. You’re thinking, with everything that’s been going on with Tennessee, that guy will probably never play again. Next series, defense is on the field, No. 7 is back in the lineup playing on the field.
“And you wonder why Tennessee has issues. They don’t have any discipline. (Butch Jones) should’ve taken his uniform off, sent him upstairs to go get a popcorn and say you’re no longer on the team and sent a message to the whole team.”
But on Saturday evening, Herbstreit appeared to have changed his tune when it came to another player. And Gaulden wasn’t having it.
Herbstreit took to Twitter to congratulate Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield for winning the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night. Mayfield made headlines earlier this season when the Sooners played Kansas when he made obscene gestures towards Kansas after Oklahoma took a huge lead on them.
Yet Herbstreit didn’t call out Mayfield for his actions. Instead, here is what he had to say:
My man @baker_mayfield6 is VERY misunderstood! His competitive spirit is special and sure, sometimes has gotten the best of him. But, he is a good man that is driven to be the best. Congrats Baker!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 10, 2017
Gaulden disagreed with Herbstreit’s stance and quoted his tweet, blasting Herbstreit for what he believed to be hypocrisy.
Lol bro but I should be kicked off the team and eat popcorn and I don’t have a chip on my shoulder and I’m not competitive! Use to have a lot of respect for you!!! https://t.co/69W3IwjNvC
— Rashaan Gaulden (@Gmoney_7era) December 10, 2017
Gaulden finished this season with 65 total tackles, totaling 3.5 tackles for loss, six passes defended, an interception, and three forced fumbles.
UPDATE: Herbstreit has since seen Gaulden’s tweet and acknowledged his mistake, apologizing to Gaulden and saying he was “unfair” to Gaulden.
When you make a mistake it’s important to own it. @Gmoney_7era is 100% right and I apologize to him. Was more disappointed that day w/ Tennessee’s lack of discipline as a team and this was my breaking point. Unfair to Rashaan. I’m sorry. I’m glad you pointed this out man. https://t.co/oKIQ1YU4Kp
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 10, 2017
One Response
Good for you Gaulden. I do think Herbie is about as fair as it gets but that’s more of a testament to the lack of quality overall.