Chennis Berry, head coach of South Carolina State, has a powerful message for the media after his team's thrilling championship win. In a bold statement, Berry reveals his frustration with the media's bias towards former NFL stars, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, who recently became head coaches in the MEAC conference.
After South Carolina State's 40-38 overtime victory in the Celebration Bowl, Berry addressed the media's neglect. He exclaimed, 'I keep receipts now,' referring to the lack of attention he received during conference calls throughout the season. While Vick and Jackson, the 'two NFL guys,' were showered with 20 to 30 questions, Berry was often left with just one or two.
But here's where it gets controversial. Berry isn't just calling out the media; he's also highlighting the talent and experience of HBCU coaches. He proudly asserts, 'There's good football coaches that come through HBCUs... We can coach because we gotta get out the mud.' Berry's point is clear: HBCU coaches are just as skilled and deserving of recognition as their NFL counterparts.
Berry's coaching prowess is undeniable. In his second season, he led South Carolina State to a 9-3 record, an undefeated MEAC season, and a conference championship. Yet, he was consistently overshadowed during media interactions. While Vick and Jackson were asked about their NFL careers and coaching philosophies, Berry was reduced to a mere afterthought.
The irony is striking. Berry, with 26 years of assistant coaching experience and two Division II national championships under his belt, was overlooked in favor of former NFL players with less coaching experience. Despite this, he remained focused and motivated, leading his team to an incredible comeback victory.
And this is the part most people miss. Berry's message isn't about personal glory; it's about shedding light on the talent within HBCU coaching ranks. He acknowledges his good relationships with Vick and Jackson but emphasizes that his motivation comes from being overlooked.
So, was Berry right to call out the media's bias? Are HBCU coaches truly undervalued? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a conversation about the recognition these coaches deserve.
