Michigan punter speaks for first time since game-ending fumbled snap

Michigan punter Blake O’Neill spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since his fumbled snap cost the Wolverines their game against rival Michigan State, thanking fans for all their overwhelming support.

Michigan punter Blake O’Neill spoke with reporters on Tuesday for the first time since his fumbled snap cost the Wolverines their game against rival Michigan State, thanking fans for all their overwhelming support.

“The support from the Michigan community has been fantastic,” O’Neill said. It means a lot for people to take time out of their day to write me.”

As O’Neill attempted to seal a 23–21 victory on Saturday with a punt on 4th-and-2 with under 20 seconds to play, he fumbled away the snap into the hands of Michigan State sophomore Jalen Watts-Jackson.

O'Neill on speaking to media so soon: "Why not?" Says he's proud to be at Michigan and play college football. pic.twitter.com/YaGywXXzVb

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) October 20, 2015

Michigan interim athletic director Jim Hackett issued an open letter a day after the game, urging fans to avoid “thoughtless comments” towards players in light of the loss.

“It’s been interesting,” O’Neill said of the past few days, “that’s for sure.”

O’Neill said he has not been on Twitter since the incident.

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