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I think most people like the idea of being rich and famous (especially that first part), but I also think most people who’ve gotten a taste of the celebrity existence would tell you it comes with its fair amount of downsides.
One of the most obvious examples is knowing there’s a very good chance you’ll be recognized by total strangers whenever you wander into public, and while plenty of notable names are happy to interact with fans they cross paths with, it’s easy to understand why that might get a bit tiresome.
As a result, I can’t say I blame Lane Kiffin for the pretty ingenious strategy he deploys when he doesn’t feel like being sidetracked after crossing paths with people who spot him while he’s going about his business.
On Thursday, the notoriously outspoken Ole Miss head coach fielded a question from reporter Nick Brooks at SEC Media Days, who claimed he was frequently stopped by people who think he looks like Kiffin and seized on the opportunity to see if the skipper could see any resemblance.
I get told I look like @Lane_Kiffin all the time. Today, I asked him if he sees it. By far my favorite moment of my career. Here is his response: pic.twitter.com/LwRjszcWvj
— Nick Brooks (@NickBrooksTV_) July 20, 2023
Kiffin described it as the “strangest question” he’d gotten during the gathering but used it as an excuse to have a little bit of fun, as he initially responded by asking Brooks if he (like himself) also has frequent encounters with people who think he looks like Daniel Tosh.
He also said he’s figured out a way to get out of unsolicited encounters at his own expense, as he’s apparently discovered out there’s no better route to go than taking a shot at himself:
“I will be walking through somewhere and somebody will be like, ‘Are you Lane Kiffin?’ and I’ll be like, ‘No, I hate that dude. He sucks.’
It’s really cool because the conversation is over and you can keep moving.”
That’s a fantastic move.