Texas defensive back Michael Taafe was completely distraught after Friday’s College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State. The redshirt junior screamed in agony while making his way off of the field and back into the locker room.
A wild video of the postgame meltdown is at the center of debate after local reporters were criticized for filming a player at his lowest moment.
Taafe, a former unranked recruit, was born and raised in Austin. He was an unranked recruit out of high school who chose to forgo scholarship offers at Brown and Colgate to join the Texas program as a walk-on. His remarkable rise to eventually crack the starting lineup is one of the best stories in college football. The Longhorns mean everything to him.
Longhorns DB Michael Taaffe on his pride for playing for the University of Texas and his emotions following tonight’s CFP loss to Ohio State:
— Devon Messinger (@devonmessinger) January 11, 2025
“Wearing this burnt orange means something to me.” pic.twitter.com/NUnkxxVhMB
Michael Taaffe recorded 78 total tackles (40 solo) during the 2024 season. He is a maniac, in the best way.
My job is to take my opponent’s soul. That’s what I try to do … no matter if it’s my best friend or the guy I hate the most on this planet. That’s my job, that’s my goal.
— Michael Taaffe
The 6-foot-0, 195-pound safety made five crucial tackles during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl on Friday. Texas ultimately lost 28-14 because of Steve Sarkisian’s questionable play call during a crucial offensive possession during the fourth quarter. It was out of Taaffe’s control.
To say that he was emotional would be an understatement. Michael Taaffe let out all of his frustrations through a series of guttural screams on his way back into the locker room.
A Cotton Bowl videographer chose not to film the unusual blow up. He also criticized the reporters who took out their phones to capture the moment, saying it was wrong to film a player at his lowest moment.
Michael Taaffe screaming as he exits. Absolutely distraught. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/KgZRrlozlP
— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) January 11, 2025
A debate has since ensued. Is it fair for a journalist to do his/her job and capture the emotions of a demoralizing loss or should they allow for a player to experience his emotions on his own without a camera in his face?