"Stop coaching bro" "Just win man": CFB fans divided over Mike Gundy's public apology after frustrated comments go viral

College football fans are split after Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy issued a public apology for his viral comments targeting critics. Facing a potential first losing season since 2005, Gundy voiced frustration at fans who, he claimed, “can’t pay their own bills” and criticized him from a place of personal failure.

Gundy said during his weekly press conference:

"[In] most cases, the people that are negative and voicing their opinion are the same ones that can't pay their own bills," Gundy said. "They're not taking care of themselves. They're not taking care of their own family. They're not taking care of their own job."

After facing backlash, Gundy posted an apology on social media on Tuesday:

"I apologize to those who my comments during Monday's media call offended," Gundy shared on X. "My intent was not to offend any of our fans who have supported us and this program through the years."

Reactions among fans ranged widely:

“Just win man,” a fan wrote.

“Stop coaching bro,” one wrote. “Go work for OAN”

“Disappointed this wasn’t in video form,” a fan wrote.

“Thank you Coach. I accept your apology and to celebrate I’m going to ditch this bar and drive home,” another wrote.

“Forgiven!” a fan wrote.

“Bro just tried to subtly slide this in while the entire country is watching election results,” another wrote.

Mike Gundy has apologized in the past

In 2020, Mike Gundy issued an apology for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese Virus.”

“I have been made aware that comments from my press conference have offended some,” Gundy said in a statement [H/t AP News]. “It was never my intention to offend anyone and I apologize. My first priority is and will always be the student-athletes and doing what is best for the program and the university.”

Later that same year, he apologized again after wearing a T-shirt promoting far-right One America News Network, which stirred up tensions with star running back Chuba Hubbard.

"Our players expressed their feelings as individuals and team members," he said. "They helped me see through their eyes how the T-shirt affected their hearts. Once I learned how that network felt about Black Lives Matter, I was disgusted and knew it was completely unacceptable to me.

"I want to apologize to all members of our team, former players and their families for the pain and discomfort that has been caused over the last two days."

With 169 wins over 20 seasons and 18 consecutive bowl games, Mike Gundy’s Oklahoma State was expected to be a Big 12 contender this season.

Instead, they’re at the bottom of the standings heading into Saturday’s matchup against TCU. The Cowboys (3-6, 0-6) are on a six-game losing streak and now need to win every game left just to salvage a winning season.