Purdue AD regrets sharp comment about Indiana during press conference
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 10:11 PM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
Tommy McClelland, Purdue's new athletic director, expressed regret after criticizing rival Indiana during his introductory press conference on August 5, 2026. He quipped, "If you don't want to win championships, go to Indiana," a statement that quickly backfired. Acknowledging the misstep, McClelland compared it to a poor golf shot and emphasized the importance of constructive rivalry as he aims to foster a competitive atmosphere at Purdue. He humorously noted that he would focus on building championship-winning programs instead of making offhand remarks.
- •Tommy McClelland criticized Indiana during his introduction as Purdue's AD.
- •He expressed regret for his comments on The Pat McAfee Show.
- •The comment came after Indiana's recent national championship win.
- •McClelland compared his failed remark to a missed golf shot.
- •He aims to build competitive programs at Purdue.
- 10:11 PMCBS Sports — New Purdue AD Tommy McClelland quickly walks back ill-advised 'championships' dig at Indiana
- 8:29 PMYahoo Sports — New Purdue AD instantly regretted head-scratching shot at Indiana
"Tommy McClelland, Purdue's new athletic director, said he regretted calling out Indiana during his introductory press conference the moment he said it
"The Boilermakers AD went off-script during his introductory press conference, and it didn't go well
Sources
External links- CBS SportsAug 7, 2026, 10:11 PMNew Purdue AD Tommy McClelland quickly walks back ill-advised 'championships' dig at Indiana
The Boilermakers AD went off-script during his introductory press conference, and it didn't go well
- Yahoo SportsAug 7, 2026, 8:29 PMNew Purdue AD instantly regretted head-scratching shot at Indiana
Tommy McClelland, Purdue's new athletic director, said he regretted calling out Indiana during his introductory press conference the moment he said it
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