LOOK: Former Arkansas star James McCann shout outs Michael Turner amid drama

James McCann is proud that Michael Turner is a Razorback.

After the Arkansas catcher was the subject of a visceral rant from an area-based ESPN radio host, McCann took to Twitter to let the world know that he’s proud Turner is representing his collegiate team. After Turner clobbered a homer for the lead in an eventual loss against Oklahoma State, the longtime MLB star was elated.

Good for you, kid. Show ‘em what a Razorback looks like. @RazorbackBSB #WPS https://t.co/v8W6psaCUg

— James McCann (@McCannon33) June 6, 2022

“Good for you, kid,” tweeted McCann. “Show ‘em what a Razorback looks like.”

Moreover, ESPN Arkansas host Derek Ruscin was pulled from the airwaves last week after his rant where Turner was the subject.

“I’ll say it — and I wouldn’t say it about a young player, but Michael Turner is a fifth-year graduate guy from Kent State, he’s a stupid a–,” began Ruscin. “The catcher for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Listen to this guy.”

Then, Ruscin played an answer from a post-game media scrum featuring Turner. Evidently, Ruscin wasn’t thrilled with the answer the Razorbacks catcher came up with.

“First of all, you’re not a Razorback — you’ve been here one (year). You’re a rental player, and you’ve sucked, so thanks for nothing,” stated Ruscin. “Secondly, as a rental player, you do not get to come in here and criticize this fanbase, not a chance. The question was about what’s wrong with the team, and you used the entire answer to take a swing at this fanbase?

“You’re a disgrace, Michael Turner. You’re a disgrace! You should not get to wear that uniform again. What a loser. You know why they’re losing? Because you’re a loser, and you’re the catcher. You’re in-charge of this whole thing on the infield. You’re a loser, and a disgrace, and you can’t get out of this program soon enough.”

After some warranted backlash, Tommy Craft — ESPN Arkansas Market Manager — added that Ruscin will be taking time away from his role for the time being.

“Derek Ruscin will be taking time away from his afternoon role on ESPN Arkansas stations,” wrote Craft. “His comments during Friday’s show concerning Michael Turner went too far and did not meet our companies’ standard for quality content. ESPN Arkansas works every day to provide honest, fair and passionate sports talk programming for all of our listeners. Our commitment to that standard will not change.”

One thing is for sure — the opinion of James McCann is far more important than Derek Ruscin’s to the Arkansas catcher. Michael Turner is a proud Razorback, and the vigor of a local radio host won’t change that.

Arkansas will take on Oklahoma State on Monday in an elimination game at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.