Paul Finebaum did not hold back when Lane Kiffin came up on ESPN’s First Take, taking aim at the LSU coach’s habit of saying one thing after another that he считает impossible to believe.
“Every day Lane Kiffin shows up with another lie. That’s what I said.
It’s not a falsehood, it’s not being misleading, it’s not being hyperbolic. It’s just a flat-out lie because that’s who he is.
It doesn’t surprise me. I still like the guy.
I find him engaging, sometimes charming - not always - but most of all he’s a really good football coach. But just quit all this nonsense.
You’ve got a game this weekend,” Finebaum said.
The comments landed as Kiffin keeps dealing with questions about LSU’s roster and the use of former NFL players who still have eligibility left. Kiffin has been vocal about how college football is changing, especially with the transfer portal and the chance to bring in experienced players.
Finebaum dismissed the idea that players already on the roster would simply accept that kind of move without resistance.
“I don’t believe that on your roster, your second- and third-teamers that probably aren’t on your leadership council are saying: ‘Yeah, bring in some guy from the Cleveland Browns to take my spot that I’ve been killing myself for my entire life. Yeah, I’m just going to roll over and let this guy, Wright, come in here and take my spot and sing kumbaya.’
It’s just not believable. But when has Lane Kiffin said anything that was?”
Kiffin has spent years trying to reshape how people view him, but the last calendar year has only kept him in the spotlight. He left Ole Miss in the middle of a College Football Playoff run and is now trying to build his LSU roster in a way that has drawn plenty of attention.
Finebaum’s attack underscored that Kiffin’s reputation still follows him, even as he remains one of the most respected offensive minds in the sport. His personality, and his willingness to push against convention, continue to make him a target.
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