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Jim Larranaga interview ends in hilarious, awkward fashion

by:Austin Brezina•03/26/22•

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Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images

A halftime interview with the CBS analyst desk ended in a funny and awkward moment with Miami head coach Jim Larranaga as they went to commercial. As Larranaga began another discussion with Charles Barkley about sports psychology, Greg Gumbel cut off the coach by throwing the broadcast to a commercial break — to the apparent surprise of Larranaga.

Jim Larranaga’s halftime interview cut short

After being brought onto the CBS broadcast during halftime of the Elite Eight matchup between Houston and Villanova, Larranaga got into multiple conversation topics with the crew. After saying his team defeated Auburn to prevent Charles Barkley from taking off his shirt on television, Barkley joked with the Hurricanes’ coach that he still was hoping he would take his shirt off after all.

Larranaga was then asked how he balanced the team’s morale and enthusiasm for the NCAA Tournament while keeping focused on the goal at hand. Larranaga mentioned his friend, sports psychologist Bob Rotella, and how he helps him be a better coach and motivator for his players. As he brought up Barkley’s golfing, he started to explain who Rotella is before abruptly being cut off by Gumbel in the following exchange.

“Chuck, you’re a golfer,” said Larranaga. “Have you ever heard of Bob Rotella?”

“Oh he’s one of the greatest psychologists ever, yes he is,” said Barkley.

“Coach, thank you so much for joining us,” interrupted Gumbel after Barkley’s answer, continuing to say goodbye as Larranaga tried to speak more. “We appreciate you being with us. Second half is coming up, we can continue to talk after this. Good luck to you, maybe we’ll see you in New Orleans.”

Larranaga’s appearances on various interviews since the Hurricanes’ shocking win over Auburn have all been a great insight into his humor, and his CBS interview on Saturday was no exception. Despite the awkward finish, Larranaga continues to enjoy his current success as Miami is set to play in the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.

After defeating Iowa State in the Sweet 16, Miami has now turned its sights on Kansas — the only remaining one-seed in the tournament. They are set to tip-off their matchup on Sunday with the winner punching their ticket into the Final Four.