Why Arkansas fans booed at Mike Anderson's news conference?

March 26, 2011|Chris Replogle, KY3 News | creplogle@ky3.com

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Fans rarely get a say at a coach's first news conference.

Arkansas Razorbacks fans did at Mike Anderson's "welcome home" party at Bud Walton Arena. The news conference's tone turned on one question from a KOMU-TV reporter in Columbia.

"You talk about family and loyalty, but why no goodbye to the fans of Mizzou," asked Dani Wexelman. "Why did you not say goodbye to the fans in Columbia personally?

"We did a press release and that was to all the fans," said Anderson. "I always made sure they knew from this coach and from our staff that they were instrumental in what took place. I may have not done it personally, but I know I addressed it through a press release in terms of thanking the fans, thanking the administration."

A chorus of boos followed after Anderson began after hearing the reporter's follow-up question.

"Columbia was great to Mike Anderson," Anderson told the crowd that started booing. "Nah, nah, nah it's legit." "I always did appreciate and I patronize all of the people there in Columbia."

The media did not stop there. A reporter recanted Anderson's statement earlier this month, saying he wanted to retire at the University of Missouri.

"Tough, tough decision," said Anderson. "When I made that statement that was coming from the heart. When I said that I meant that. At then end of the day, I chose to come here and bring the Razorbacks back to the promise land."

Anderson spent five seasons at Mizzou, taking the Tigers to three-straight NCAA Tournaments.

Talk Tigers with us on Facebook @KYTV TigerTalk or on Twitter @KY3TigerTalk.

|

|

|