Tennessee defensive back Rashaan Gaulden criticized Kirk Herbstreit on social media early Sunday morning, and by Sunday afternoon, Herbstreit had issued an apology.
Herbstreit had shown support for Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield on Twitter Saturday night, shortly after Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy. Despite Mayfield’s impressive stats—41 touchdowns and only five interceptions for the No. 2 Sooners—his past includes an arrest for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and fleeing the scene. He also made an inappropriate gesture during a game in November.
Herbstreit called Mayfield “VERY misunderstood,” praising his competitive spirit and character. This tweet didn’t sit well with Gaulden, who had made a controversial gesture himself earlier in the season after an interception return during a loss to Alabama. Gaulden had been penalized for the gesture and had apologized for it afterward. Herbstreit had criticized Tennessee’s lack of discipline on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” using Gaulden’s incident as an example.
In response to Herbstreit’s tweet about Mayfield, Gaulden posted, sarcastically noting that while Mayfield was praised, he had been unfairly criticized. Herbstreit later apologized, admitting that his comment was unfair to Gaulden and acknowledging that he was wrong. He expressed regret and appreciated Gaulden’s response.
Gaulden, a standout defensive back from Tennessee, finished his redshirt junior season with notable statistics, including 65 tackles and three forced fumbles. Meanwhile, Herbstreit, who lives in Nashville, took responsibility for his comments and issued a heartfelt apology to Gaulden.
In a separate note, former Tennessee quarterbacks coach Mike Canales expressed his gratitude to Vols fans on Twitter, saying that “Rocky Top” had been a wonderful home for his family. Canales, who is expected to be named UTEP’s offensive coordinator soon, spent less than a year at Tennessee.
