South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has always been a lightning rod of both praise and criticism for existing TV networks.
But on Wednesday, he took things a step further, trumpeting the merits of a sports network that doesn't launch until August: Fox Sports 1.
During the Gamecocks' Pro Day, an outing that showcased talents like running back Marcus Lattimore, safety D.J. Swearinger, receiver Ace Sanders and linebacker DeVonte Holloman, among others, Spurrier lamented the absence of ESPN, a primary rights holder for SEC football.
In the same span, Spurrier also chided ESPN's extensive Pro Day coverage of USC, a program that fell woefully short of expectations last season — debuting at No. 1 before stumbling to a 7-6 finish, including a loss to Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.
"I noticed both USCs had their pro timing day (Wednesday)," Spurrier told The State newspaper in South Carolina. "One of them finished No. 7 in the country last year, the other was not in the Top 25, yet ESPN decided to go out to the one in California, which did not finish in the Top 25, and televise their pro timing day live.
"It's interesting that (ESPN doesn't) come around here on Signing Day, they don't come around here on pro timing day, and yet they want us to play all these Thursday night games for them, which we do."
Spurrier then added: "Maybe we need to consider playing on that new network, what is it? FoxSports Live?"
Actually, it's FOX Sports 1 ... but close enough in Spurrier's eyes.
To be fair, USC's Pro Day featured quarterback Matt Barkley and receiver Robert Woods, two talented but polarizing draft prospects from the 2013 rookie class. Some NFL pundits and experts view Barkley as a franchise linchpin for many years, while others project him as a second-, third- or fourth-round pick.
As for Woods, he seemingly has all the physical tools to captivate NFL executives and scouts ... but as a wideout or slot receiver?
Nevertheless, the coach wasn't happy about ESPN's perceived slight of the Gamecocks.
At the very least, Spurrier may have the inside track to an analyst's job for FOX Sports 1, whenever he decides to hang up the distinctive visor and coaching whistle.
