Overview
- A highlight reel of Lucas’s 2026 season drew more than 25 million views and he said his Instagram following jumped by well over 80,000.
- During a CSUN–UC Irvine broadcast, commentator Charlie Brande called Lucas’s celebration “very distasteful” and said he was “amazed [he] hasn’t been popped,” according to Outsports.
- The Big West Conference condemned the remark and said student‑athletes may celebrate and express themselves if they are not unsporting.
- Brande later issued a public apology to Lucas and wrote that he regrets the comment and that violence is never acceptable.
- Lucas, an openly gay outside hitter who ranks second on CSUN with 132 kills, reported overwhelmingly positive support as the No. 18 Matadors sit 12–12 with two matches next against No. 2 Hawaii.