The Oklahoma State Cowboys are 3-7 on the season and 0-7 in Big 12 Conference play with two games remaining. It’s been the worst season imaginable for a team that was supposed to compete for a Big 12 Championship and is on the verge of going winless in conference play.
But off the field hasn’t been much better for head coach Mike Gundy, who caught plenty of heat for some comments made off the cuff two weeks ago.
“In most cases, the people who are negative and voicing their opinions are the same ones who can’t pay their own bills,” Gundy said on November 4th. “They’re not taking care of themselves. They’re not taking care of their own family. They can’t take of their own job.”
Gundy related the idea back to politics, the news, and modern workplaces, citing that most individuals who complain have issues in their own lives they should be more focused on. Such is the case for many of Gundy’s rants over the years; the statement did not land on the matter it was intended to.
“But they have an obligation to speak out and complain about others because it makes them feel better,” Gundy continued. “But then, in the end, when they go to bed at night, they’re the same failure that they were before they said anything negative about anybody else.”
Related: Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State: Top Predictions, Odds, and How to Watch
Pokes With a Purpose Response
Pokes With a Purpose president Ed Raschen talked with the Tulsa World about those comments this week and said, “It was the most (counterproductive) thing that could have ever been said.”
He added that the fundraising for Pokes With a Purpose was hurt by the comments from Gundy on November 4th.
“(Gundy) handicapped us so much,” Raschen added. “Mike has never been a huge NIL guy, but none of these old-school (coaches) are.”
That only seems natural given the blowback that came from the fan base after Gundy’s comments. These are fans who spend big money on tickets, concessions, parking and now are also asked to give their hard-earned money to their team’s NIL fund.
Related: Who Will Win Each Big 12 Football Game In Week 13?
Gundy did apologize the day after the comments. “I apologize to those who my comments during Monday’s media call offended,” Gundy said on X. “My intent was not to offend any of our fans who have supported us and this program through the years.”
But apparently that wasn’t enough damage control, though, as Oklahoma State president Dr. Kayse Shrum has released a statement on Gundy’s comments.
“OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg and I value the strength created by bringing the OSU family together,” the statement reads. “Coach Gundy’s press conference comments did not reflect the position of the university, and he has subsequently issued a statement to apologize for those offensive remarks.”
“We are grateful for the dedicated OSU fans and donors who make our success possible and appreciate their support during this challenging season.”
All in all, it’s a season that can’t end soon enough for the Cowboys.
Oklahoma State plays Texas Tech in Week 13 of the college football season.
