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DeShaun Foster stumbles through rocky Big Ten Media Days; social media weighs in
By Paul Harvey
Published:
DeShaun Foster is stepping into his first-ever head coaching job, leading his alma mater UCLA into the inaugural Big Ten season for the Bruins. Unfortunately, Foster’s first appearance at B1G Media Days did not go smoothly.
After being introduced, Foster stepped to the podium but did not blow anyone away with his opening statement. He stumbled through the process with long pauses and broken sentences throughout.
Foster did not have much football-related to say during his initial statement, though he made sure to offer up a geography lesson for the B1G media who may be unaware of what the initials “UCLA” actually stand for.
“Football-wise, which is exciting. I’m sure you guys don’t know much about UCLA, our football program, but we’re in LA. It’s us and USC,” said Foster. “We, um. I’m just basically excited. Really, that’s it.”
UCLA coach DeShaun Foster with a really awkward Big Ten media day opening statement pic.twitter.com/dHX5ayP7K3
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) July 24, 2024
To be clear, no coach has ever won or lost a game at a press conference. However, it’s also true a strong opening statement and appearance at media days can instill a lot of confidence in a program with a new head coach.
Foster’s remarks, and the ensuing Q&A session, did not do that. In fact, his session was widely criticized across social media with everyone somewhat dumbfounded by the incident.
Take a look:
UCLA’s DeShaun Foster opening statement: “I’m sure you don’t know much about our football program. We’re in LA. It’s us & USC. I’m basically excited. Any questions”
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 24, 2024
Deshaun Foster just froze on stage and had nothing to say as his intro about UCLA football other than “you may know about UCLA. We’re in LA. Us and USC.”
Not a great start for UCLA in the Big Ten pic.twitter.com/RYv0DmrkDZ
— Arrogant Nation✌🏻 (@FightOnRusty) July 24, 2024
DeShaun Foster takes a run at an opening statement, notes that UCLA is in LA, like USC, pauses, smiles, says he’s excited and goes to questions.
— Sam McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) July 24, 2024
Very short press conference from UCLA head coach, DeShaun Foster.
His opening statement was less than 2 minutes.
“I’m sure you guys don’t know too much about UCLA and our football program… We’re in LA… It’s us and USC… I’m just basically excited. Any questions?” pic.twitter.com/vPpKN454zw
— The College Huddle 🎙️ (@CollegeHuddle) July 24, 2024
deshaun foster getting stage fright 🤣😭 ucla not ready for the big 10
— shawn (@uknowbigshawn) July 24, 2024
That Deshaun Foster Press Conference was ROUGH #BigTenMediaDays
— No Block💥No Rockᴺᴮᴺᴿ (@NBNRPodcast) July 24, 2024
This is a bit rough from DeShaun Foster.
He’ll get better with more big-stage interview opportunities.
— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) July 24, 2024
DeShaun Foster confirms that UCLA is in Los Angeles, as well as USC. Says he’s excited to be in the Big Ten
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteDustin) July 24, 2024
BRUTAL opening statements from #UCLA HC DeShaun Foster with multiple pauses:
“I’m sure you guys don’t know too much about UCLA and our football program…..we’re in LA….it’s us and USC….I’m just basically excited. Any questions?”#B1GMediaDays #BigTen
— 1st & Goal Podcast 🎙 (@goal_1st) July 24, 2024
UCLA’s DeShaun Foster with one of the stranger opening statements I’ve heard. He let us know that UCLA and USC are in Los Angeles (long pause) and he’s excited to be in the Big Ten.
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) July 24, 2024
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.