Mike Elko's bizarre news conference adds fuel to fire amid disappointing start

Texas A&M suffered a 27-6 loss to Missouri on Saturday, falling to 3-3 on the season. Rather than simply address his team's struggles, Elko took aim at criticism directed at him and the program, calling a corner of the online community a "cesspool" during his post game news conference. 

Following the loss, Elko attempted to distinguish between the actual Texas A&M fan base and the criticism directed at him on social media.

"There's a difference to me between the fan base and social media," Elko said after the game, as shared by The Sporting News. "So there's one group that I really don't care much about. Billy's cesspool can go be Billy's cesspool. Our fan base, stay with us, be behind us. We're going to build something that we told you we were going to build."

Elko's comments were bizarre, poorly timed and potentially damaging to his future in College Station. He needs the support of Texas A&M's passionate fan base as he tries to turn the program around. Picking a fight with frustrated supporters is hardly the best way to get it.

Elko was hired to make Texas A&M a consistent contender in the SEC and on the national stage. He has the resources, recruiting base and institutional support to accomplish that goal. However, those advantages also come with enormous expectations.

A disappointing start would be difficult enough to navigate on its own. Elko's comments have now given frustrated supporters another reason to question whether he is the right person to lead the program.