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ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit Goes Off on Florida State Fan in Twitter Tirade

"I think I’m allowed to have an opinion on who I think is BETTER!!"

Tommy Mire

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In the wake of all the drama surrounding the 2023 College Football Playoff, we've seen politicians, leaders, respected members of the football community, Heisman Trophy winners, Super Bowl Champions, and a long list of others who have questioned the snub of Florida State by the playoff committee. 

The 13-0 Seminoles were left out by the CFP selection committee in favor of both 12-1 Alabama and 12-1 Texas which sparked question marks about the legitimacy of the process and ESPN's influence over the committee itself.

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Amidst all the backlash ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit took to Twitter in response to a seemingly random fan, TJ Lowrey, who questioned Herbstriet's motives all along.  

"Because Alabama is BETTER!! Period! So is Texas. So is Michigan. So is Washington. So is Oregon. So is Georgia. I watch 10-15 games a week live from September-early December," Herbstreit wrote. "I think I’m allowed to have an opinion on who I think is BETTER!! If FSU doesn’t like itbis “The BEST 4” tell the conference commissioners to change the protocol to “MOST DESERVING.” Until then I and everyone else is certainly is allowed to give an opinion in a subjective discussion!! Don’t like it-change it."

The tweet went on to defend his love for FSU and his unbiased commentary while bringing up a BCS Championship Game in 2000 where FSU went in before Miami, who had beaten them earlier in the season. However, there was no committee involved in that selection process as the playoffs didn't take place until 14 years later.

"Its funny when FSU went ahead of The U in 2000 after Dorsey and the boys beat the Noles and FSU went instead of a deserving Canes team to the BCS Championship where they lost to Oklahoma I didn’t hear from all of you about the system being rigged and it’s not fair. You were big fans of the turnout back then-of course most of you, in this despicable lunatic fringe, probably didn’t even know about 2000 when the Noles got the benefit over a GREAT Miami team!"

Herbstreit continued in the tweet to say that what happened was unfair to the Seminoles and that next year's playoff might be different as they are switching to a 12-team format.

"Listen man I have always loved FSU going back to the 80’s. Bobby Bowden-the uni’s-the swag-the consistency-something about that brand I was always attracted to and what happened with 5-6 teams having a shot at the playoff and the Noles being undefeated and left out-SUCKS-but I have to give an opinion on who I think the best 4 teams are. I’m not on the committee-I don’t vote-I watch games-I analyze teams and I give my take. That’s it. And if you think I have an agenda or a motive I’m sorry you feel that way but it’s wrong. I love this sport and care about it deeply and can’t make everyone happy-I ask questions of the commissioners in the offseason to understand things clearly-Watch games and give my opinion. If it’s for your team you love me and if it’s against you hate me. I wish it were different and hopefully next year with 12 teams it will be. I am a huge fan of Coach Norvell’s and his team and wish the Noles nothing but the best."

In any instance, the outrage and shots will continue to be fired from both sides for the foreseeable future. The Seminoles are set to face off against No. 6 Georgia in the 2023 Orange Bowl on December 30.

READ MORE: SEC Head Coach is 'Bothered' After Florida State's Playoff Snub

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Tommy Mire
TOMMY MIRE

Tommy Mire joined NoleGameday in 2023 as a writer and editor. He initially worked as lead voice at SBNation's Tomahawk Nation and contributes to football, NFL and recruiting coverage. Connect with Tommy on Twitter at @TommyM3III

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