Ringer’s Van Lathan tells Le Batard Show crew to “suck my d*ck”
Miami debate sparks reaction
The Dan Le Batard Show has made a point of challenging national media coverage of the University of Miami Hurricanes. This week, the show responded to a clip featuring former cast member Billy Gil, who criticized Miami fans and questioned the team’s résumé after its 31-24 loss to Notre Dame in South Bend. Before addressing Gil’s opinion, Dan Le Batard mocked the Tailgate cast for talking over one another. Co-host Jonathan Zaslow then asked, “Who are these guys?”
Lathan objects to treatment
On Wednesday’s episode of Tailgate, co-host Van Lathan sharply rebuked Le Batard and his colleagues, repeatedly telling them to “suck my d*ck.” Lathan said the clip removed the context of his and Joel Anderson’s discussion of Gil’s comments, and took issue with how the Le Batard Show spoke about the cast. Lathan said, “They took that out to focus on the sh*t that they wanted to nitpick on.” He also objected to the “Who are these people?” remark, saying the group’s careers and accomplishments deserved more respect.
Football was not the main issue
Lathan said he believed Miami’s loss could help the Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff résumé, but argued that the dispute was about perceived disrespect, not football analysis. He and Anderson also noted that both had previously appeared as guests on the Le Batard Show.
Lathan asked the show not to direct its criticism at him, Anderson or Tate Frazier because of its history with Gil. Gil, Tailgate’s lead producer, suggested his teammates were catching “strays” intended for him and said the show was “giving them what they want” by responding.
Tailgate builds its audience
Tailgate launched last college football season and has steadily grown its audience in the crowded online college football media space, with a mix of humor and insight. Gil joined as lead producer after leaving the Le Batard Show during significant turmoil at Le Batard’s company. The article says the strong reaction makes it unlikely the two sides will be friendly from here.
Key points
- The dispute began after the Le Batard Show mocked the Tailgate cast while discussing Billy Gil’s Miami comments.
- Van Lathan said an edited clip left out context from his debate with Joel Anderson.
- Lathan said his objection was about disrespect, not disagreement over Miami’s football résumé.
- Gil said Tailgate’s response was giving the Le Batard Show what it wanted.