Kirk Herbstreit is used to getting backlash for his opinions.
When you’ve been in the media world for as long as Herbstreit has, you’re bound to draw the ire of some fans. Every season, you can find Herbstreit on social media feuding with different fan bases who believe he is biased against their school. No matter how many times he denies the accusations, Herbstreit can’t dodge them entirely.
During a recent appearance on the Pure Athlete podcast, Herbstreit addressed the idea that he has contrived opinions based on what ESPN wants him to say or thinks would cause the most reaction.
Not true, Herbstreit said. His takes are all his, and he also disputes the notion he and his colleagues are deliberately pro-SEC.
Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
“You don’t have to agree with them, but they’re fairly educated opinions, but they’re mine,” Herbstreit said. “If we want to disagree, let’s disagree. I have no problem with that. But I can assure you that my opinions aren’t just flying by the seat of my pants or ‘What can I say to upset a certain fanbase?’ Like, I’ve never done that — ever. We get accused at ESPN that we love the SEC. I love every team. I love every conference.
“I went to a Big Ten school. I was the captain at Ohio State; my dad was a captain. I love Ohio State. But I’m not on [ESPN] pushing Ohio State’s agenda or the Big Ten’s agenda. You would think I would be accused of being a Big Ten homer. I guess for some SEC people, maybe they think that. I just watch every game, and prepare, and talk with a lot of coaches during the week, and give you a take. The people that attack me, I’ve come a long with that, because at first, when I would see that, I don’t want to reason with them … I learned over time, there’s just some people they want to be mad; they need people to attack.”
Herbstreit also admitted that the recurring social media fan attacks can get to him.
“None of it sits easy with me,” he explained. “My answer to it is not get on it, not be a part of it, which is a shame because I like interacting with fans that enjoy normal back-and-forth or ‘Hey, I have a question for you.’ I could do that all day, but I don’t like the ‘FU,’ ‘I hate you,’ ‘You’ve always sucked.’ It’s just poison to my soul, l and I just, unfortunately, it keeps me off of that where it can’t impact me in a negative way. All I do is work, talk to guys, have opinions, and do the best job that I can. Again, I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but at least I have informed answers and opinions when I give them.”
Related: Kirk Herbstreit Reveals The Truth About His Takes At ESPN
