Kirk Herbstreit admits his biggest regret from initial take

Kirk Herbstreit received an immense level of blowback for a controversial take on today’s football players. Originally, Herbstreit made the comments that received responses from many different players on last Saturday’s College GameDay.

“What’s the difference as a player in saying these games are ‘meaningless’ when, Des, we played in quote-unquote ‘meaningless games,’” Herbstreit said. “I just don’t understand if you don’t make it to the playoff, how is it ‘meaningless’ to play football and compete? Isn’t that what we do as football players? We compete?

“So I don’t know if changing or expanding it is going to change anything. I really don’t. I think this era of players doesn’t love football.”

Since then, Herbstreit has attempted to clarify his comments — further explaining himself and his love for the players of the sport he covers. In an appearance on Pardon My Take, Herbstreit admitted his biggest regret from his initial comments.

“When I look back at this whole last four days or so, if there’s any regret – it’s not for the people who are using me as a piñata for the last three, for days – it’s if I could’ve been a little bit more clear,” stated Herbstreit. “You guys do live TV, you know what it could be like. You’re trying to get all your words right. And you’re talking about a sensitive subject. It’s not always perfect.”

Herbstreit: ‘If I had to apologize to anybody, it’d be the current players.’

Moreover, Herbstreit used time to apologize to the current players he might’ve offended with his comments.

“So if I had to apologize to anybody, it’d be the current players. Because they probably didn’t see the segment at all. And all they’re doing is getting on social media and seeing Herbstreit says players don’t care anymore. I really, really wish and hope that current players know that man, I appreciate the situation that they’re in. I love college football, I love the players.

“I’ve always been a guy – you guys know me, you watch Get Up!, you watch First Take, you watch a lot of these shows today – it’s about throwing stuff. Being a hot take artist. Throw it against the wall. I’m not. I’ve just never been that guy. I’m not comfortable with the story ever being about me. Always about the players, the coaches and the storylines. So I’ve been really uncomfortable the last few days, because I don’t want it to be about me.”

‘I get what these kids are facing.’

Finally, the ESPN analyst finished his sentiment with a final message to players considering sitting out.

“I really regret not being clear in my comments, to be able to make these players know how much I love them, and appreciate them,” stated Herbstreit. “And they don’t have to view the world the way I do. Obviously. But I don’t ever want to be viewed as I’m out of touch when I have four sons that are all 21 and younger. And I get it. I get what these kids are facing.

“I would encourage anybody – if they have any hint – I remember when Ron Dayne came back, I felt he was very tentative running the football. Almost running to not get hurt his last year, because he knew what he had in-front of him. I remember thinking, if you run to not get hurt, you’re going to get hurt. If you play in a bowl game and you’re worried – oh my gosh, I’m playing in this bowl game but what if I get hurt – you’re going to get hurt. So if you have any, and I mean any hesitation or doubt, about playing a season or playing a bowl game — I would encourage you to not play. Don’t do that to your team, or to yourself, because you’re going to get hurt.”