Texas Coach Rodney Terry Apologizes for Rant Over ‘Horns Down’ Gestures
In a surprising turn of events, Texas Longhorns men’s basketball coach Rodney Terry has apologized for his recent outburst over the “Horns Down” gesture made by several Central Florida players following their victory over the Longhorns.
The incident occurred on January 18, 2024, after the UCF Knights defeated the Texas Longhorns 77-70 at the Moody Center in Austin. As the teams were going through the traditional postgame handshake line, several UCF players were seen making the “Horns Down” gesture, a sign that is widely considered disrespectful towards the University of Texas and its sports teams.
Coach Terry, who was visibly upset by the gesture, was caught on camera yelling at the UCF players, calling their actions “classless.” He doubled down on his criticism in the postgame press conference, further condemning the players’ behavior.
However, just two days later, on January 20th, Terry issued a public apology, acknowledging that his reaction was inappropriate and that he had no intention of trying to “show up anyone or offend anyone.”
“I had no intention of trying to show up anyone, or offend anyone in terms of what occurred at the end of that game,” Terry said. “We have a lot of passion for who we are and what we are representing. We try to do that in a class manner, at the highest level. I apologize to our fan base as well, and understand what it means to be the head coach at the University of Texas and what our brand stands for.”
The “Horns Down” gesture has long been a source of contention in the world of college sports, particularly in the state of Texas. The hand sign, which involves making a downward-pointing “hook ’em horns” gesture, is often used by rival teams and fans as a way to mock or disrespect the University of Texas and its iconic “Hook ’em Horns” hand sign.
While the gesture is generally seen as harmless fun by those outside the Longhorn community, it holds deep significance for Texas fans and alumni, who view it as a direct affront to their beloved university and its sports teams.
Terry’s initial reaction to the UCF players’ actions was understandable, given the emotional and cultural significance of the “Horns Down” gesture within the Texas sports landscape. However, his decision to apologize and acknowledge the need to maintain a “class manner” at the highest level of college basketball has been widely praised by both Longhorn fans and the broader college sports community.
“I think it was the right thing for Coach Terry to apologize,” said former Texas basketball player and current ESPN analyst, Jaxson Hayes. “As the head coach of the Longhorns, he has a responsibility to uphold the values and traditions of the university, and his initial reaction was understandable. But at the end of the day, we need to rise above the petty gestures and focus on the game itself.”
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of sportsmanship and respect in college athletics. While the “Horns Down” gesture may be seen as harmless by some, it is clear that it holds deep meaning for the Texas Longhorns community, and coaches and players alike must be mindful of the impact their actions can have on the broader culture of the sport.
In the aftermath of the incident, Terry has reiterated his commitment to leading the Longhorns with class and integrity, and to instilling those values in his players. The team’s recent upset victory over the ninth-ranked Baylor Bears has only further solidified Terry’s standing as a respected and admired coach within the college basketball landscape.
As the Longhorns continue their quest for a Big 12 title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Coach Terry and his team, as they navigate the challenges and rivalries that come with being one of the most storied programs in college basketball. And with Terry’s recent apology and renewed focus on sportsmanship, it is clear that the Longhorns are poised to make a lasting impact on the sport, both on and off the court.
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