Texas A&M coach Mike Elko took a shot at a contingent of the Aggies' fan base Saturday after his team suffered a 27-6 loss on the road at Missouri,dropping the Aggies to two games under .500 in SEC play.
Specifically, Elko criticized the "cesspool" that is TexAgs, a popular Texas A&M fan site.
That criticism did not sit well with Billy Liucci, the editor and co-owner of TexAgs. Though he briefly addressed the comments on X (formerly Twitter), he later clarified his statements. Speaking with The Athletic, Liucci said it was the "wrong time" and the "wrong audience" for Elko to allow his frustration to spill over during his postgame news conference.
"It was just (the) wrong time and wrong audience
to be saying that to, the way the season is going," Liucci told The Athletic. "It’s never a time to call out the fans, especially when it’s a large, loyal portion of your fan base. … I’m the target often on social media, even on my own message boards, but the criticism just comes with it. It comes with having opinions, coaching and having high-profile positions and high-profile schools.
"I think Coach Elko understands that. He just had a moment where the frustration came out at the podium. That never goes well."
Here's what Elko said in his news conference to prompt the responses from Liucci:
"There is a difference between the fan base and social media," Elko said after the game on Saturday. "There's one group that I really don't care much about. (TexAgs editor and co-owner Billy Liucci's) cesspool can go be Billy's cesspool. Our fan base, be with us. Stay behind us.
"We are going to build something we told you we were going to build. We are in a really bad spot right now, but we are going to work our way out of it."
Shoutout @CarterKarels for asking Mike Elko what the message to Texas A&M fans after another bad loss:
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 10, 2026
"There's a difference to me between the fan base and social media.
“So there's one group that I really don't care much about. Billy's cesspool can go be Billy's cesspool.… pic.twitter.com/FRGN5Abomq
Texas A&M dropped to 22-10 overall and 5-5 against ranked opponents under Elko following the loss to Missouri. Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed completed 19 of 39 passes for 187 yards with two interceptions and rushed for minus-18 rushing yards on seven carries.
The Aggies host The Citadel at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Kyle Field.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wrong time, wrong audience': TexAgs co-owner responds to Mike Elko's 'cesspool' comments
