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Shortly after Hugh Freeze was hired at Auburn, reports began to surface about some limited social media access for the head coach.
News broke that the Tigers’ administration had placed a clause in Freeze’s contract saying that he’d be forced to relinquish control of his accounts. Essentially, he’d be given a babysitter, which is reasonable with his checkered past online.
The coach was fired from Ole Miss for contacting escorts on a school-issued cell phone before falling into hot water at Liberty for DMing an alleged sexual assault victim amid a lawsuit against the university.
He’s also known to send unsolicited messages to fan and media accounts that are critical of his program. With that background in mind, it was reasonable to believe that such a clause could’ve (and should’ve) existed in the contract. Freeze, however, denies those claims.
During his opening press conference, Hugh Freeze laughed at the notion that he wouldn’t have access to his social media accounts.
“No, that’s not accurate… I mean, how could you in this day and time? I think there may be wisdom in it, though.”
It is hard to imagine a coach in today’s college sports scene not being able to interact with recruits and players online. But then again, this isn’t your typical case. The hire came with a ton of backlash, even amongst Auburn supporters, given his history with inappropriate activities at previous stops. Even he admits that it would probably be a good idea to step away from the cell phones.
Making things a bit funnier, Hugh Freeze then contradicted himself immediately after denying the social media restrictions by saying that he currently has someone else running all of his accounts.
“Believe it or not, I haven’t been on social media in the last three or four weeks. I have an account, but somebody else is running it.”
Fans had some fun with the answer on Twitter, posting their reactions to the flip-flopping statement.
“Probably a good idea which is why I, Hugh Freeze, will not be pursuing it.”
— Big, and ugly as wel.l (@Z_A_Kline) November 29, 2022
So he hasn't relinquished control of his social media. But someone else is running his account which by definition is relinquishing control. This guy didn't even make it through day 1 with his lies straight
— Mr. Jose M (@JoseisHere3) November 29, 2022
Things are off to a great start on The Plains. This should be an entertaining hire to follow over the next few seasons.
Related: Assault victim that was DMed by Hugh Freeze on social media speaks out about the hire