Fans support Vanderbilt’s Kevin Stallings, who apologized for telling player: ‘I’ll … kill you’
Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings was incensed following the Commodores’ 73-65 win over Tennessee on Thursday night.
Vandy guard Wade Baldwin clapped in the face of a Tennessee player after the game. Stallings, angry about the lack of sportsmanship, yelled at Baldwin and was caught saying, “We don’t do that! I’ll (expletive deleted) kill you!”
Here is a Vine of the moment (from Jim Weber):
Stallings apologized:
“After the game, an incident occurred in which I need to apologize for,” Stallings said in a statement that was on zagsblog.com. “One of our players acted inappropriately and violated what we believe is good sportsmanship following the game. In my haste to resolve the situation, I made a very inappropriate comment. While obviously it was not meant literally, it was still inappropriate. I apologized to the player immediately following the game. Displaying good sportsmanship is of the highest priority in our program win or lose. I am very remorseful of my actions tonight.”
The reaction from fans was mostly in support of Stallings, who was an assistant at Kansas from 1988-93.
I wouldn't have apologized if I were Kevin Stallings.
— Derek (@derekb28) February 27, 2015@GottliebShow I usually don't agree with much you say, but your take on the Kevin Stallings apology is perfect, this PC policing is absurd.
— Jerod Patzner (@fratzner) February 27, 2015Saw headline that said Coach Kevin yelled the F-Bomb at a player and I had to make sure the last name was Stallings and not our youth coach.
— Andy Morris (@AndyMorris_BNA) February 27, 2015Don't think the Kevin Stallings telling his player he's going to kill him thing is a big deal, guys
— Billy Freeman (@wfreema) February 27, 2015@VandyMBB Kevin Stallings is good coach, just trying to instill some class. That kud will be all the better for it. Lighten up people.
— Tony (@tony_c1967) February 27, 2015Coach Kevin Stallings is one of the most honest &genuine coaches we have in the NCAA. He does things the right way at Vandy. Leave him alone
— Peter Yannopoulos (@PeteYannopoulos) February 27, 2015I now LOVE Kevin Stallings good for him , I am sick of guys acting like this on the court this me me me me stuff has to end PERIOD.
— Keeneland Dan (@fatbaldguyracin) February 27, 2015The only lesson learned by the #KevinStallings rant is...that kid will never taunt anyone again. Act like an idiot, & u get punished #Vandy
— terry marcoline (@Marcoline_T) February 27, 2015No way should Kevin Stallings be suspended for what happened last night after the game.
— Matt Smith (@MattSmithCFB) February 27, 2015And one dissenting vote:
To reach Pete Grathoff, call 816-234-4330 or send email to pgrathoff@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @pgrathoff.