Kirk Herbstreit fires back at Barstool Sports after hot mic moment

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit fired back at Barstool Sports following a viral hot mic moment during the TCU–North Carolina broadcast Monday night. Herbstreit was interpreted and many claimed he said “they’re bad,” in reference to UNC.

The Tar Heels lost 48-14 in Bill Belichick’s debut and the moment happened at the start of the fourth quarter with the score already 41-14. However, Herbstreit fired back at Barstool Sports, which posted the clip and claimed Herbstreit said “they’re bad.”

In multiple tweets, Herbstreit clarified what he actually said, which was “you’re bad.” The long time analyst stated he was talking to his spotter in the booth.

“Must be a slow night..not sure why this is so confusing,” Herbstreit wrote on Twitter. “I said ‘YOU’RE bad’ to my spotter Deron for something funny he said when we were just coming back on air.”

Prior to that, Herbstreit wrote something similar in response to the Pardon My Take account. Herbie has appeared on the podcast multiple times, so it’ll be interesting to see how that relationship evolves this season.

“They’re bad” pic.twitter.com/FOLPORzt2L

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) September 2, 2025

“Said ‘you’re bad’ to my spotter Deron for something he said as we were coming back on air,” Herbstreit said. “Manipulation at its finest!”

Herbstreit later made a point about how announcers have to pivot during a blowout. It’s now on them to keep viewers engaged and watching so they don’t turn away from a disappointing game.

“Instead of making up things I said how bout giving Rece, Holly, and I some love for getting through that game-those games are by far the toughest games you announcers have to call,” Herbstreit wrote on Twitter. For entertainment late in the game, the former Ohio State quarterback even brought his dog Peter up to the broadcast table and gave him a headset.

While calling the game, since it was a disaster for the Tar Heels, Herbstreit and Rece Davis revealed their CFP title contenders. He likes a Big Ten-SEC matchup.

“I think I’m going Penn State and LSU in the championship,” Herbstreit said. “LSU — again, you’ve got to stay healthy. But they got a salty defense this year.”Penn State had a quiet week compared to other CFP contenders. Nevada came to Happy Valley, turning into a comfortable win for the Nittany Lions. We will learn more about James Franklin once the Big Ten portion of the schedule opens up.”