Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti will find motivation anywhere he can, even if it’s by way of the ESPYs.
Cignetti was annoyed that his Hoosiers did not take home the “Best Team” award in ESPN’s annual show. He vented his annoyance on “The Pat McAfee Show” last week, and even took a direct shot at the network.
“That natty, 16-0, hadn’t happened in 136 years. So how that team doesn’t win a certain award as the team of the year…some networks are consistent in getting it wrong,” Cignetti said.
"16-0 hadn't happened in 136 years..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 17, 2026
I don't know how that team doesn't win a certain award" 😂😂 ~ @CCignettiIU #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/HNSmgMXq1T
McAfee quickly pointed out that the ESPYs are decided by a fan vote, and that had a lot to do with the award going to the New York Knicks instead. That was enough to get Cignetti to drop the act and admit that there were plenty of teams that could have staked a claim to the award.
While nobody will turn down an ESPY, the awards show just is not viewed as a particularly big deal for most stars, at least in the context of MVP awards and championships. Most people pay attention for the jokes. Cignetti is not most people. If he can find reason to add to the chip on his shoulder, he will do it, no matter how silly it might seem.
