Jim Boeheim getting testy with reporters has become a postgame tradition. Saturday was no exception.
Boeheim fielded a question from CBS Sports’ Gregg Doyel after his team’s 61-56 loss to Michigan and did not like it. Doyel who is known for stirring it up, asked Boeheim if he was planning to make an announcement about his future. The two then sparred over the question for about a minute.
Here’s the text of the full exchange via ASAP Sports:
Q. When do you think you’ll decide, announce, whether or not you’re coming back next year?
COACH BOEHEIM: Why would you ask that question? I expect it from you. I know you. Why ask that question? Are you going to ask John Beilein that question.Q. We ask 19‑year‑old questions and they handle it better than you are.
COACH BOEHEIM: You ask 19‑year‑old kid if he’s going to retire? Really?Q. If they’re going to be back next year?
COACH BOEHEIM: If you’re going to say something smart, at least be smart.Q. I said be back next year, I didn’t say retire. If you’re going to be smart, at least get it right.
COACH BOEHEIM: I am right.Q. Are you going to be back next year or not?
COACH BOEHEIM: I’m not going to answer that question unless you ask every coach that question. Are you going to ask John if he’s going to retire or not coming back next year? I’ve never indicated at any time that I’m not coming back next year ‑ ever.
Was Boeheim ornery because his team lost? Possibly, but let’s not forget that he has gone off on media members several times this season.
These two are actually perfect sparring partners; Doyel has a reputation for hijacking postgame news conferences, just like he did with LeBron James two years ago.
Surprisingly, Doyel, in his column for CBS Sports, apologized for the timing of his question. He also says he apologized to Boeheim for skewering the coach over the Bernie Fine allegations.
Given all the questions surrounding Boeheim’s future, the question was fair. The timing of the question, as Doyel said, was not good.
