Oregon football coach Dan Lanning got heated when reporters asked him about quarterback Dante Moore not addressing the media after the Ducks’ loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday.
Speaking on Monday, Lanning was asked why the team’s QB didn’t take to the podium and the coach defended his player by saying that he had been getting treatment during postgame media availability.
“I don’t think he chose not to,” Lanning said in response to a question. “Did you know he was getting an IV? He was getting two IVs after the game.”
The exchange continued and the Ducks coach continued to respond with a bit of tension.
“He was dehydrated. He’ll be speaking to you guys tomorrow,” the coach said. “Any questions you want to ask him, you can certainly ask him, but I don’t know if you’ve ever given an interview while you’re getting an IV at the same time and getting treatment.”
Lanning added that then there’s the fact that the team was trying to catch a bus and flight back to Eugene after the loss, which took place in Stillwater, Okla.
“Dante will be here tomorrow. You can talk to Dante, but he’s cramping up on the field. I think the first thing we’re going to do postgame is get treatment,” he said.
The exchange took a more combative tone when a reporter – seemingly the one who had asked the initial question – noted that the information wasn’t relayed to the press by anyone.
That seemed to irritate Lanning, who fired back repeatedly, “Should it be?” about informing everyone that Moore was not going to speak because he was getting treatment.
“So before you write your article, they should say, ‘Hey, just so you guys know…’” Lanning asked.
“Yes, so we don’t misconstrue…” the reporter replied, before Lanning cut him off.
“Well you misconstrued it. You could always ask me,” Lanning said, before ending with a sarcastic, “Good job.”
Lanning had a testy exchange last season following a loss as well, when he was asked about the team’s backup quarterback situation.
Following the loss to Oklahoma State, only one player was made available to speak with reporters.
The Ducks were stunned by the unranked Cowboys in the 39-31 loss.
Moore completed 14 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked four times by Oklahoma State.
