West Virginia coach downplays controversial Caitlin Clark quote ahead of Round of 32 matchup with Iowa at March Madness: ‘You know how social media works’

West Virginia coach Mark Kellogg has downplayed his criticism of Caitlin Clark after footage of him urging his team to send the Iowa superstar “pack his bags” went viral online.

On Selection Sunday, Kellogg was captured rallying the troops after a potential second-round matchup with No. 1 Iowa appeared on a big screen, and his motivational speech included a controversial dig at Clark.

“Let’s win one and then send Caitlin Clark out,” he told the West Virginia players in the video.

West Virginia will face Clark in the second round of the women’s NCAA tournament at Carver – Hawkeye Arena on Monday night, when Iowa’s record-breaking point guard will look to get the last laugh and advance to the Sweet 16 stage.

However, Kellogg insists he was not trying to criticize the 22-year-old and that his comments appeared worse on social media.

West Virginia coach Mark Kellogg has downplayed his viral comment about Caitlin Clark

Kellogg was caught telling his West Virginia players to send Clark “packing his bags” on Monday.

But he insists he wasn’t trying to bad-mouth the Iowa superstar heading into the game.

‘I’m not talking trash. I didn’t want to catch Caitlin Clark. “It’s not Mark Kellogg versus Caitlin Clark,” he said on the eve of Monday’s game.

“Someone else in the room was the one who used the phrase ‘pack in’ with me, and it turned into, ‘Well, guys, if we want to do something special, we have to win one and then we’d have to send Caitlin Clark home.'”

‘You already know how social networks work. The clip gets shorter and shorter, and finally, at the end, it was Mark Kellogg calling Caitlin Clark.

Clark herself is said to have been unfazed by Kellogg’s quote, reportedly saying, “He’s probably just competitive.”

The West Virginia coach may be regretting his words, however, as the college basketball sensation has defiantly responded to taunts in the past.

When fans of rival Iowa State chanted “overrated” behind her in December, Clark recorded 35 points in a victory for Iowa. She also scored 42 points after being attacked with similar chants in high school.

While Kellogg’s talk about the team has at least encouraged his own players, guard Jordan Harrison said, “It definitely got me excited.” I want a coach like that, who doesn’t back down from anyone. I’m just here to back you up.

‘I don’t think anyone in the NCAA wants to play against us. … We want to make a statement, make some history. “They have all the pressure.”