Kevin Sumlin met the media for the first time since Sunday night’s collapse against UCLA, and the first topic of discussion wasn’t exactly Texas A&M’s plan to beat Nicholls State on Saturday. No, Sumlin had to talk about A&M regent Tony Buzbee’s comments about him.
Given the impossible situation put in front of him (other than, you know, not losing to UCLA) Sumlin handled it about as well as possible.
Here's the full Kevin Sumlin answer today on regent Tony Buzbee's comments about his job pic.twitter.com/A5Pm6ZHtW0
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 5, 2017
Sumlin talked about the comments without actually talking about the comments, while still not insulting the public’s intelligence by pulling a Belichick-ian “We’re on to Nicholls State” tactic that would have only breathed new life into this particular news cycle.
Additionally, Texas A&M Board Chair Charles Schwartz issued his own statement on Buzbee’s comments. When people make statements they often say more by what they choose not to say, so notice the lack of explicit support for Sumlin here:
“He has a right to express his opinion publicly. I support his right to comment. I personally don’t make any comments about personnel decisions at Texas A&M University system. In this particular case, we have an athletic director, Scott Woodward, whom I have confidence in, who makes decisions about coaching responsibilities.
“Given my responsibility, my personal opinion is irrelevant. I read the internet as well as anyone, and think that there are opinions all over the place. My opinion will be expressed only in the board room.”
Texas A&M hosts Nicholls State Saturday for its home opener. For Sumlin and the rest of the A&M program, it can’t come soon enough.
