Greg McElroy issues apology to Tony Vitello regarding on-field actions: 'It was unnecessary'

Greg McElroy issued an apology to Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello regarding his on-field actions in the aftermath of the Volunteers’ national title.

Vitello, ever the fan favorite, ran into the stands and celebrated with fans after winning the College World Series. McElroy originally called it WWE-like and not classy.

McElroy’s original comments from Tuesday’s edition of McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning can be seen below.

“I just wish he didn’t have the antics that he does,” McElroy said. “He’s like a WWE character. And it’s embarrassing. Seriously, I mean to be an adult, I’d be appalled. I really would. I know he wins and he’s great and the kids love him and all that stuff. That’s awesome. But if that was a leader of my organization, I would have to have a little talking to him. I just would. It’s just, it’s unbelievable. The team a couple years ago, I think, lost the national championship. They had the best team. I think that team was probably better than this team. And you know, they think they lost it because they didn’t harness their emotions and it’s great to lean into that but man, it’s just like I said.

“It’s a tough team to root for. I mean, goodness gracious. I mean, his antics after the game last night were embarrassing, seriously … You just won a national championship, have some class. WWE with all due respect, not class.”

Greg McElroy issues apology to Tony Vitello

So on Wednesday, amid the backlash, McElroy took time out of the show to apologize to Vitello.

“Wanted to start by just apologizing to Tony Vitello and the Tennessee Volunteers,” McElroy said on Wednesday’s show. “Took a shot at him yesterday and it wasn’t necessary. My frustrations about where we’re at in society boiled over. It was unnecessary. Yesterday should’ve been a day of celebration of what Tennessee accomplished on the baseball field, as opposed to a stream of consciousness, basically, diatribe about all the things that are bothering me right now in my personal life and all the things that are bothering me right now with where we’re at in society.

“So I apologize to Tony Vitello, to Tennessee fans, the Tennessee Baseball program. And know that I’m as happy for you, for brining it home two nights ago, as anybody that wears crimson and white in their college experience. It wasn’t the right place or the right time, so I want to make sure everyone understands that I am very, very sorry. And I will celebrate with you moving forward, as opposed to being frustrated by little, nitpicking moments that might have rubbed me the wrong way. So I really, really apologize. It wasn’t right and it won’t happen again.”