Written by Ryan Bisesi, a producer for WRAL’s multiplatform team.

Chapel Hill, N.C.

Mack Brown, the football coach at North Carolina, expressed disappointment with some negative comments made by NC State’s Dave Doeren following their recent game against each other.

NC State beat UNC 39-20 on November 25th and their coach, Doeren, had a passionate conversation with the team following the game.

“It’s been 4 years since those jerks defeated us,” Doeren told his team.

Doeren’s words were in the locker room and not in a public setting, though ACC Network cameras were present and thus picked up the remarks that were broadcast after the game. The comment also gained traction on social media, inflaming banter between fan bases and making for traditional rivalry fodder.

On Wednesday, Brown discussed the comments during a press event for National Signing Day and made a direct statement to Doeren.

Without being asked, Brown stated, “After our most recent game against our rival school, their head coach referred to our players as a worthless bunch.”

“I want to apologize for my use of inappropriate language. I have never encountered such language before and it deeply disappoints me. I believed it lacked class and it is simply not true. Our team did not perform well in the game and our coaching was not up to par. This has been widely acknowledged and I understand that. However, it is unacceptable to refer to our players in such derogatory terms. I have addressed this issue with our team and personally apologized to them. Our players are not only exceptional athletes, but also top academic achievers who have received recognition as one of AFC’s top 13 teams. They have achieved great success, including winning the Coastal division, multiple games, and competing in prestigious events such as the Orange Bowl. They are a representation of our university and I speak on behalf of them and their families when I say that they were deeply hurt by the disrespectful words used. It is extremely disappointing to hear such language, but unfortunately, it happened.”

Brown did not specifically mention Doeren or the university he coaches for, NC State. He also did not engage in a question-and-answer session after making his statement.

Doeren explained the circumstances in State’s media session later on Wednesday, and emphasized that the team wasn’t notified cameras would be in the locker room after the game. He added that he called Brown and apologized for his remarks going public.

During our attendance at these meetings, it was expected that we would be informed about the presence of a camera in our locker room, but unfortunately, this was not the case,” Doeren stated. “I deeply regret that this was televised because it should not have happened.”

Entering the locker room with your team constitutes a private conversation, unless permission is granted for a camera to be present. In this situation, no such permission was given. This does not justify making the conversation public, but unfortunately, that is what occurred.

“I regret my language in the video footage as I was not aware of being recorded. However, this does not excuse my behavior. I have reached out to coach [Brown] to apologize for my choice of words, as I could have expressed myself differently in that moment of excitement after our big win. I hold coach in high regard and did not intend for him to feel disrespected. While this does not justify my actions, it should not have been broadcasted.”

“I should have expressed that in a more professional manner and I am regretful that I did not,” Doeren concluded. “However, I do not regret showing passion with my players and celebrating a significant victory. I will continue to do so. Hopefully, in the future, we will receive the respect we deserve when our games are televised.”

At a press conference in 2022, UNC’s quarterback Drake Maye was questioned about whether Sam Howell’s achievements in 2019 influenced his decision to switch his commitment from Alabama to North Carolina. His answer sparked criticism for making a negative comment about State’s academic reputation.

“Yes, absolutely. I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to represent my home state,” Maye replied. “Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, being raised in North Carolina, you’re bound to be a fan of Carolina. Some may claim to support State, but let’s be real, those who attend State just couldn’t make it into Carolina.”

Shortly after Maye’s remarks, he posted a tweet expressing remorse.

In the past three years, the Tar Heels have been defeated by NC State, and since returning to Chapel Hill in 2019, Brown’s record against State is 2-3. Doeren has a record of 7-4 against UNC since joining Raleigh in 2013.

Doeren was in the spotlight for postgame comments made earlier in the season when he directed a CW reporter to “tell Steve Smith he can kiss my ass” after Smith told an ESPN audience NC State fans were “waiting for basketball season to start” after a particularly rough 24-3 loss at Duke. NC State had a 4-3 record after the loss to Duke and has since won five games in a row.

Doeren mentioned his thoughts on our team and myself following our loss to Duke in the locker room.

Doeren is sometimes referred to as “salty Dave” due to his straightforward and direct manner.

The State team is preparing for the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28 against Kansas State in Orlando. On Dec. 27, UNC will compete against West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte.

Source: wralsportsfan.com