Kenny Dillingham has apologized for his words in the post-game presser.
On Sunday, Arizona State’s head football coach, Kenny Dillingham, issued an apology for comments he made about the team’s kicking game after their recent loss to Cincinnati. In a moment of frustration, Dillingham focused on the kicking struggles, specifically criticizing the kicker’s performance, a move he later regretted.
“I want to apologize for how I discussed our kicking game in my postgame press conference, comparing it to offense and defense. The kicking game often points to one player, which wasn’t fair. All losses fall squarely on me. #SunDevil4LIFE,” Dillingham wrote on X, recognizing the pressure his words could place on an individual.
His apology came in light of a larger issue highlighted in the Sun Devils’ 24-14 defeat, where the kicking game was a major concern. In his frustration, Dillingham even announced open tryouts for the kicker position, signaling the urgency of the situation.
“If you can kick and you’re at Arizona State, email me. We’re having kicking tryouts on Monday—let’s go. I’m serious,” he said in a post-game video.
https://twitter.com/Blakes_Take2/status/1847741522000691530
Arizona State football loses to the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Sophomore kicker Ian Hersey, who faced criticism, had a tough game, missing two important field goals but managing to make two extra points. Dillingham noted the importance of better supporting Hersey, highlighting the coaching staff’s responsibility in player preparation. “He was kicking well during pregame, so I felt confident. But it is what it is. We need to help him get into a better mental space for kicking,” Dillingham said, reinforcing his dedication to player development.
The public call for tryouts and the following apology underscore the pressures of competitive college sports, particularly in high-stakes situations. Many online have criticized this move as unprofessional. However, Dillingham’s subsequent comments aimed to shift focus to collective responsibility and coaching accountability instead of singling out individual players.
This incident marks a crucial moment for Arizona State as they move forward in the season with a 5-2 record, facing upcoming challenges that will test their resilience. The Sun Devils will take on Oklahoma State next, presenting a chance for redemption and potentially an opportunity for Hersey to rebuild his confidence if he remains in the lineup.
Dillingham’s public apology and commitment to taking responsibility reflect a leadership style that recognizes the weight of his words, striving to create a supportive atmosphere as the team seeks to recover from recent difficulties.
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