Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello is very comfortable doing in-game interviews with the broadcasting booth. Some might say a little too comfortable.
Vitello was chatting with ESPN’s Tom Hart, Kyle Peterson, and Chris Burke in the bottom of the third inning of Sunday’s Super Regional game against the Arkansas Razorbacks when he reflexively hocked a loogie and let it fly.
“Sorry,” Vitello said immediately afterward. “That was pretty nasty.”
While the interview got off to an awkward start, the Volunteers’ offense began humming as Vitello spoke to the broadcasters. They asked the UT coach if he wanted to stay, but he thought better of it, remaining on the air while the team had a chance to put runs on the board.
“No, because I’ll say something stupid by the end of the game, and I’ll end up with no job, hanging out with you guys,” Vitello said. “But I do appreciate you all. You all are a good time to have around.”
Alas, the Vols lost the game 11-4, and their season came to an end while the Razorbacks moved on to the College World Series in Omaha. We’ll have to wait until next season to get more in-game gems like that from Vitello, although he has been known to join network broadcasts for special events, such as the draft.
Side note: We had an internal debate about whether it’s “hock a loogie” or “hawk a loogie,” but it turns out both are acceptable.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.