A reporter who captured UConn coach Dan Hurley’s emotional outburst after the team’s loss to Florida in the NCAA tournament is facing backlash over the viral clip. UConn’s communications director Bobby Mullen reportedly warned the reporter to take down the video of Hurley’s heated comments about the referees, threatening to harm the reporter’s reputation if the video wasn’t removed.
After UConn’s narrow 77-75 defeat to Florida, Hurley was caught on camera delivering a passionate, profanity-laced tirade as he left the court. In the video recorded by Joey Ellis of Queen City News, Hurley can be heard expressing his frustrations, saying, “I hope they don’t treat you like they did us. I hope they don’t do that to you, Baylor.”
Following the circulation of the video, Ellis was allegedly approached by Mullen, who demanded its removal from social media. Moreover, Mullen reportedly made threats to negatively impact Ellis’ life if the video remained online. Both Charlotte Sports Live and Queen City News supported Ellis’ reporting in the face of these challenges.
When Charlotte Sports Live sought a response from Mullen about the incident, he defended Hurley’s actions by emphasizing the coach’s emotional moment with his players and criticizing the reporter for recording private conversations. Despite the controversy, Ellis’ original tweet featuring the footage of Hurley’s rant remains accessible on his account.
Hurley, known for his passionate demeanor both on and off the court, gave an emotional interview to sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson after UConn’s defeat to Florida, marking the end of the team’s bid for a third consecutive NCAA tournament victory.
