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Scott Frost ‘OK with getting criticized’ for standing up for players, pushing for fall season
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A day before the B1G made the decision to postpone the fall football season, Scott Frost made a pretty bold statement. He wanted to express his desire to move forward with the conference-only schedule, and support his players’ ambition to hit the field.
“We want to play a Big Ten schedule. I hope that’s what happens,” Frost said on Aug. 10. “Our university is committed to playing no matter what that looks like and how that looks. We want to play no matter who it is or where it is, so we’ll see how all those chips fall. We certainly hope it’s in the Big Ten. If it isn’t, I think we’re prepared to look for other options.”
The next day, B1G commissioner Kevin Warren went on Big Ten Network to announce officially that the league had decided to postpone the season.
Frost’s statement was to say that he felt safe moving forward with the college football season. He was also representing his players, who were comfortable enough to take to Twitter to show support for a fall football season, saying they felt safe with Nebraska’s protocols and health and safety guidelines.
However, that quote from Frost got caught in a media tornado of criticism and snark. ESPN personalities like Michael Wilbon, Desmond Howard and Paul Finebaum all bashed the head coach and Nebraska, saying it needs the B1G more than the B1G needs the Huskers.
While Frost’s comments were taken seriously out of context, he doesn’t seem to mind the backlash. He knows he was supporting his players and speaking with their best interest in mind.
All I really want to say about it is, if I get criticized for fighting for my kids and wanting to play football, I’m OK with getting criticized,” Frost said in an interview with Tom Shatel of Big Red Today.
“I want fighters. I want guys who aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in and aren’t afraid of criticism or afraid of a fight. That’s the attitude I want from our players and they need to see it from us and know we are fighting for them.”
Currently, the B1G is eyeing a return-t0-play model for spring football. Rumored start dates have been mostly set for January, though Thanksgiving week has also been kicked around. There have been no announcements from the conference regarding an official start date.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB