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Lane Kiffin responds to Michael Wilbon's 'clown' comment

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 9/29/21

Lane Kiffin is used to public criticism, but he clearly finds recent remarks made by Michael Wilbon to be overly harsh.

On Tuesday’s “Pardon the Interruption,” Wilbon was critical of Kiffin after co-host Tony Kornheiser asked whether an Ole Miss win or an Alabama win would be better for the rest of the college football season when the two teams meet this weekend.

“The answer’s Alabama because of Lane Kiffin,” Wilbon said, via Glenn Guilbeau of OutKick. “Lane Kiffin’s a clown. Lane Kiffin has been an embarrassment at multiple stops. I mean nobody’s going to run out there and say, ‘Yeah, I want Lane Kiffin right here on the logo representing me.’ The answer’s Alabama, Tony.”

Kiffin took notice of Wilbon’s comments and sent a couple tweets about them. He also invited Wilbon to Ole Miss so they could meet in person.

So . Geez. I’ll for you. Life is to short to be so angry. @PTI https://t.co/hBTwepwN2y

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) September 29, 2021

And way to go out on a limp and pick the number one team in the country at home who is a huge favorite. How long did you watch film to come up with that surprise pick??? Really News worthy captain obvious. @PTI

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) September 29, 2021

#ComeToTheSip @RealMikeWilbon Would love to actually meet you https://t.co/9vE3H3YBYW

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) September 29, 2021

When asked about Wilbon’s comments Wednesday, Kiffin said Wilbon had a right to say what he wanted, but that Kiffin found the comments “over the top.”

“Professional media usually don’t go that far, especially when you’ve never met them and they don’t know you at all,” Kiffin said. “It is what it is. I mean it’s not like the guy had earth-shattering news that Alabama is going to beat us. I mean, he should go to Vegas with that earth-shattering prediction.”

Kiffin has been calm in the leadup to the Alabama game and has even had some fun with it in recent weeks. The Ole Miss coach’s past conduct will always be fair game for critics. At this point, though, Kiffin’s responses just make Wilbon look more ornery in comparison.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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