Lee Corso Apologizes After Embarrassing Outburst
ESPN sports analyst Lee Corso has issued an apology after using an expletive on air Saturday ahead of College Gameday.
While picking SMU over Houston in the featured game of the day, the 76-year-old sports broadcaster attempted to commence a SMU chant using a megaphone. After changing his mind, Corso used profanity and put on the Cougar head of Shasta, Houston’s mascot.
Fellow College Gameday analysts nervously laughed as one said, “Shame on you, wash that mouth out,” during the on-air segment.
ESPN strives to be a family network and the sports analyst issued an apology less than 30 minutes after the expletive was used.
“I got a bit excited and used an expletive I shouldn’t have used,” said Corso during his telecast apology. “I apologize and I can promise it won’t happen again.”
The Florida native football analyst has an extensive background when it comes to the sport. Corso played quarterback in High School, and then went on to play football at Florida State University. In 1969 he became the head football coach at the University of Louisiana until 1973 when he coached at Indiana University. Then in 1984 he began coaching at Northern Illinois University. Corso was also the head coach of the United States Football League’s Orlando Renegades in 1985.
In addition to his work with football, Corso is very active in works of charity. In 2001 he spearheaded an effort to create a crayon made entirely from naturally safer soybeans. Corso serves as honorary chairman of the charity that raises money to pediatric cancer research, Coaches Curing Kids’ Cancer.
In 2010, the long-time coach received the NCFAA’s Contributions to College Football Award during the Home Depot College Football Awards show at Walt Disney World in honor of his 57-year association with the sport.