Getty Image / Ethan Miller / Staff
- Dick Vitale sounded off at UNC fans for the “classless” chants heard at the Duke vs. UNC game
- The UNC crowd appeared to be yelling, “F—k Coach K” as teams were warming up
- Duke went on to win the game, marking it Coach K’s 50th win over UNC in his career
Saturday Duke handed North Carolina a massive L in the confines of Dean E. Smith Stadium. The game was hardly close, as Duke won 87-67, but Dick Vitale had some choice words for UNC students as he reflected back on the game.
The profanity at the @UNC_Basketball vs @DukeMBB game was a disgrace / the F_____ Coach K chants were classless . No place for that ; I know UNC is better than that / it was pathetic & as @JFeinsteinBooks said DEAN SMITH would have never tolerated it .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 7, 2022
Dicky V is referring to the UNC students chanting “F—k Coach K” ahead of the ACC rivalry game tip-off.
You can feel the anger in Dicky V’s tweet above, going as far as to announce the chant as “pathetic” and reiterating John Feinstein’s mentioning that “Dean Smith would have never tolerated it.”
Video of the ‘F—k Coach K’ Chant Dick Vitale is Referring To
You can hear the chant about 10 seconds into this video taken during warmups.
UNCheat fans started it, and boy oh boy did Duke finish it 🔨
— Duke Digest (@DukeDigest) February 6, 2022
Photos ESPN posted of Coach K before his final game at Dean Smith most likely captured his sentiment towards the hostile crowd (as pointed out by this Twitter user).
Coach K did NOT like the “fuck coach K” chants…this looks says it all, Duke by 40. https://t.co/HFRDPFzzj9
— Sawyer (@SawyerBressler) February 5, 2022
Fans Reaction to Duke Win and Dicky V’s Tweet
Many are pointing out the humor of North Carolina losing so bad. After a crass chant like that, you’d expect UNC to at least compete.
How about that F Coach K chant now? pic.twitter.com/r0FQrBBohi
— Rebecca (@Bec_Shrader) February 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/WUTangKids/status/1490131018342445056?s=20&t=pH4rFhvE_N6aKvDklKwLsw
One UNC fan had this well-thought response as to why he agrees with Dicky V.
So many opposing opinions here… bottom line, Heels had an opportunity to step up and show some class. Very disappointing to one of the greatest ever… imagine that reception at Duke when Dean Smith retired? I’m a Tarheel fan… but not for this. More for their history. Sad day
— Ken Culbertson (@gooddayforarun1) February 7, 2022
Coach K’s Response to UNC Chant
As far as Coach K’s response, Duke trouncing UNC was all that was needed to be said. He chimed in briefly on the response of the crowd as he entered the stadium,
I’m used to it. I got what I expected, and I’m always ready for it.
While Dicky V’s disappointment is specifically aimed at UNC fans, it’s worth noting he probably wants all college basketball fans to know this type of behavior is toxic to the game.
And if you truly love basketball, drop the ugly language.