Believe it or not, the feud between ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Florida State Seminoles football fans has yet to come to an end.
The Seminoles were left out of college football’s four-team playoff after completing an undefeated 13-0 season last year. Former FSU quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury late in the year, and the playoff committee felt the Seminoles were no longer deserving of a spot in the exclusive postseason, as a result.
Fans argue Herbstreit had an agenda against FSU for the majority of the season, even before Travis’s injury. The longtime ESPN personality argued before Travis went down that a one-loss Alabama team deserved an invite to the College Football Playoff over an undefeated Florida State team. Seminoles fans argued that Herbstreit’s influence over the sport is too powerful and that he directly influenced the playoff committee’s decision.
Months later and weeks into spring football, Florida State football fans are still coming after Herbstreit.
“Do you have any human friends or all just dog,” a Florida State fan said in response to a photo Herbstreit shared of his four golden retrievers.
Herbstreit is taking the higher road here. He responded to the FSU fan, apologizing for upsetting so many fans during the 2023 college football season.
He added that he’s rooting for Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell in 2024.
“Ya know I’ve been taking personal shots from guys like you for months,” Herbstreit said. “I know there’s nothing I can say that will satisfy you but I would like to respond. Just want you to know I’m sorry we had a disagreement about teams at the end of the year. I’ve never been a guy that tries to intentionally upset fans with my comments-I’ve always tried to be very professional and respectful to everyone with my thoughts.
“I do a lot of prep and give just give my thoughts. If you agree or disagree it’s all good. Nothing has ever been personal towards any team or conference. Just give my opinion. I hate that some FSU fans are making it so personal. I have respected the Noles for decades and will continue to do so. I understand the venom towards me-I really do-I wish FSU nothing but the best and can’t wait to see Coach Norvell and his squad this Fall.
“No matter how many of you come at me on here I’ve got nothing but love for the Noles brand and wish you the best always.”
A classy apology by Kirk Herbstreit, to say the least.
Hopefully the feud between him and FSU football fans can finally come to an end.