In 1992, Mississippi State opened their season against Texas. They were a two-touchdown underdogs. Coach Jackie Sherrill asked his players what a steer was and none of them knew. To motivate his players, he asked them, "People say (the Texas mascot) is a longhorn steer. Is that a bull, or is he a steer?"
As part of the motivation process, he had his team view the castration of "Wild Willie," erstwise a bull before the most unkindest cut was made. The motivational part worked in spades: -- Mississippi State, a two-point underdog, won 28-10.
After being widely criticized, Sherrill offered a quarter-hearted apology.
"Even though I was not involved in the procedure that took place, I take responsibility," he said. "If this incident was in any way not perceived as proper by those who love Mississippi State, then I apologize."
But who did he apologize to? Mississippi State fans and students? Animal lovers? [This was before PeTA.] In te highly competitive SEC, good results are hard to overlook. As a Bulldog fan commented, "Where can we get a Crimson Tide or a Volunteer?"
If anyone needed to be apologized to, it was Wild Willie.
As part of the motivation process, he had his team view the castration of "Wild Willie," erstwise a bull before the most unkindest cut was made. The motivational part worked in spades: -- Mississippi State, a two-point underdog, won 28-10.
After being widely criticized, Sherrill offered a quarter-hearted apology.
"Even though I was not involved in the procedure that took place, I take responsibility," he said. "If this incident was in any way not perceived as proper by those who love Mississippi State, then I apologize."
But who did he apologize to? Mississippi State fans and students? Animal lovers? [This was before PeTA.] In te highly competitive SEC, good results are hard to overlook. As a Bulldog fan commented, "Where can we get a Crimson Tide or a Volunteer?"
If anyone needed to be apologized to, it was Wild Willie.
