By: Clark Johnson | WV Sports Chat
Morgantown, WV – Last spring, WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez made waves across the sports world, banning players in the West Virginia football program from dancing on TikTok. Many applauded the 62-year old Rodriguez for his decision. However, there was plenty of criticism that came his way. While the topic of the ban has scarcely been discussed in press conferences, Rodriguez finally clarified the ban on Friday.
In a discussion with J.D. Pickell of On3, Rodriguez was asked about the TikTok ban and potential punishments should the rule be violated.
Here is what Rodriguez had to say:
“Well, it really wasn’t banning TikTok, ‘cause coaches get on it, players get on it – it’s amusing, it’s funny. So, I don’t mind it at all. What I did tell our guys what I didn’t want them to do is dancing in our locker room, in our uniform and putting it on social media. I had players that first came up to me that said ‘Coach, I have some buddies that think all we’re doing is dancing in the locker room and it’s kind of embarrassing.’ And I’m like, ‘we’ll take care of that.’
“I thought it was kind of amusing – our players just kind of laughed about it.”
Now we know the true intentions behind the TikTok ban. Rodriguez never intended for players to be completely restricted from the social media platform. Much of the stir regarding the decision was simply folks taking the headline and not looking deeper into the situation.
Rodriguez is not anti-fun, he is simply not messing around when it comes to the culture and national perception of the WVU football program. He values the “Hard Edge” mentality that is being created more than engagement via trendy videos and dances.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
