Overview
- He made the offhand remark while critiquing late-game execution after a 77-69 victory over Auburn.
- Barnes immediately retracted it, saying, “I shouldn’t say that. Erase that,” and later emphasized accountability and that the team must “get smarter.”
- Tennessee committed two turnovers in the final two minutes as a 16-point first‑half lead shrank to six late.
- No investigation or formal allegations involving Tennessee players have been reported in connection with the comment.
- Coverage noted the broader backdrop of expanded sports gambling and recent NCAA cases involving Fresno State and San Jose State as context for the heightened scrutiny.