If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it two or three times: Bert’s gonna Bert.
The latest example came during a television interview, when head coach Bret Bielema was on the air to ostensibly discuss the 2016 recruiting class for his Arkansas Razorbacks. Instead of focusing solely on his squad, though, Bielema decided to take what was universally determined by the Twitterverse to be a thinly-veiled jab that not only hit Florida but nicked SEC West rival Ole Miss for good measure.Yes!!!! Bielema just went full #WoooPigSooie on Florida during #NationalSigningDay
on ESPN2. pic.twitter.com/p2BNOKH3GA
— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrieESPN) February 3, 2016
For Ole Miss, that intimation would be somewhat understandable as the Rebels, who have enjoyed unprecedented success on the recruiting trail under Hugh Freeze, have been the subject of more than a few raised eyebrows for said success. The perceived jab at Florida, however, would be head-scratching to say the least.For Bielema’s part, the coach subsequently claimed that what was thought to be a slight toward the Gators and Rebels was actually a compliment.
Bielema says earlier comments meant “Florida is everywhere” in recruiting. He called McElwain/Freeze to clarify that it was compliment
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) February 3, 2016
Hugh Freeze just told SI’s Signing Day show that Bret Bielema called him and said his earlier comments were meant to compliment Ole Miss.
— Zac Ellis (@ZacEllis) February 3, 2016
OK, Bert. Gotcha. [/winkwinknudgenudge]